|
Whooping cough activity has risen sharply throughout
Boulder County since the beginning of November with 45 cases
being reported to Boulder County Public Health (BCPH).
Outbreaks (2 or more cases) of whooping cough have been
reported in a number of schools ranging from childcare up to
high school. Thirty-six of these forty-five cases (80%) are
among children between the ages of 10 and 19 years.
This age group traditionally accounts for approximately 50%
of all cases reported in Boulder County. In the past, vaccine
was not an option for this age group since the last dose a
child could receive was at the age of 6 years. That is until
now…a vaccine to help prevent pertussis is now available for
children over the age of 10. The age group that has accounted
for 284 of the 510 cases reported to BCPH since 1999 now can
get vaccinated against whooping cough. In addition, this same
vaccine has been approved for adults up to age 64 years.
BCPH is encouraging parents to have their children over the
age of 10 years vaccinated against whooping cough. In
addition, adults that may be at higher risk of contracting
whooping cough should consider being vaccinated as well.
Contact your physician for more information or call our
Immunization program at 303-413-7500.
For more information on Pertussis:
|
