News, Health and Fitness
Monday, December 13, 2010
Whooping Cough Vaccine Available
The Westport Weston Health District today announced the availability of a vaccine against whooping cough.
It said the state Department of Public Health Immunization Program has provided the District with a supply of the vaccine in an effort to vaccinate all eligible individuals against pertussis, also known as whooping cough.
Vaccination with pertussis-containing vaccine is recommended for all persons who have close contact with infants, a news release said.
Eligible persons include post-partum women, mothers and fathers of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) babies, adoptive families, siblings, and household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 12 months.
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious respiratory illness, the District said. Typical signs and symptoms include uncontrollable, violent coughing and/or inspiratory whoop, and /or vomiting following coughing.
Any person with a history of cough illness lasting 14 days or more and one of symptoms should be seen promptly by their physician., it said.
The vaccine is free. However, there is $21 vaccine administration fee. For more information or for an appointment, call Loren Pace, RN at 203-227-9571 X231.
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Note: WestportNow Publisher Gordon F. Joseloff is also First Selectman of Westport