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Pertussis typically begins with cold-like symptoms and sometimes a mild cough or fever before progressing to severe coughing fits which can include uncontrollable, violent coughing and can make it difficult to breathe.
Infants and young children often catch the illness from a family member or other caregiver and are most at risk from serious complications. Babies with pertussis may not cough, but may gag and gasp instead, as well as have a symptom known as apnea, which is a pause in a child’s breathing pattern.
Seeking treatment when pertussis symptoms first start is important. Adults or children that are having trouble breathing should seek medical attention immediately.
“More than half of infants less than one year of age who get the disease must be hospitalized and in rare cases, pertussis can be deadly,” said Public Health Medical Director Dr. Michael Dohn.
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Immunity, whether from getting the vaccine or from having the disease, typically wears off within five years, leaving previously immune children susceptible again by adolescence. Individuals and families providing care to a new baby may need a pertussis booster shot to provide protection for infants who haven’t had a chance to get the full series of vaccinations yet.
There are pertussis vaccines for infants, children, preteens, teens and adults. The childhood vaccine is called DTaP, and the pertussis booster vaccine for adolescents and adults is called Tdap. Both provide protection against tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis. To schedule an appointment to be vaccinated, contact the Public Health Clinic at 937-225-4550.
Who Should be Vaccinated?
Children
The series of immunization starts at 2 months and continues at 4, 6, 12 months with a final dose before kindergarten.
7th Graders
The State of Ohio requires 7th graders to get a “Tdap” booster.
Pregnant Women
Once during each pregnancy.
Adults
Once as an adult.
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