We are continuing to see an explosion of whooping cough (pertussis) cases statewide. Here in Snohomish County, there have been 177 cases so far this year. To put that into perspective, there were only 23 cases in 2014 and 57 cases in 2013. Unfortunately, we are approaching epidemic levels last seen in 2012, where we had 585 cases.
Whooping cough is a serious disease that affects the respiratory system and is spread by coughing and sneezing. We must assume that everyone exposed — whether it’s other classmates, friends or family members — is potentially infected.
This is why the Snohomish Health District works in close partnership with our schools, child cares and local health providers.
So what can we do to prevent the spread of pertussis and spare Snohomish County from a repeat epidemic? That answer is quite simple: get vaccinated.
The single most effective way to prevent whooping cough is the pertussis vaccine. Our primary concern is protecting our most vulnerable — infants who cannot be immunized until 6 weeks old. For that reason, it is absolutely critical that pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine with every pregnancy.
This is a bit of a departure from recommendations during the 2012 epidemic, mainly because vaccine science continues to evolve. We now know that pregnancy changes the immune system in mothers, and waiting until delivery to administer the vaccine still puts the newborn at risk. Receiving the vaccine during the third trimester, and ideally in conjunction with the 28-week glucose screening, provides maximum benefit to the mother and her baby.
Once newborns reach the 6-week mark, they can begin the immunization series for pertussis and other vaccine-preventable diseases as recommended.
It is also important that everyone coming into close contact with newborns is immunized. This includes siblings, grandparents, caregivers and other friends and family. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, four out of five babies who get whooping cough catch it from someone at home.
To prevent outbreaks of pertussis, we need to focus on herd immunity to keep those babies healthy. That requires at least 92 percent of all children and adults to be vaccinated.
Cases in Snohomish County have been seen in all age ranges. More than half of the cases have been within our middle school and high school students. This is especially important to note as our kids head back to school, given the close quarters students share during the school day. Getting students vaccinated before school starts helps prevent increased exposure — and healthy kids are better able to do their best in class.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and in that spirit, I encourage everyone to contact a local health-care provider to make sure you are up to date. Pertussis and many other diseases are largely preventable today because of vaccines. And thanks to the Affordable Care Act, and increased access at local pharmacies, getting immunized is easier than ever.
By working together, we can ensure a safer and healthier community. It is up to all of us to protect our children so that they can get the healthy starts they deserve.
To learn more about how the Snohomish Health District is part of your best defense against pertussis and other illnesses, check out our video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FgH66kA6tA.
Dr. Gary Goldbaum is health officer and director of the Snohomish Health District.
Recommended pertussis vaccine schedule
Consult with a local health-care provider, but these are the general guidelines:
Infants and young children
A DTaP at 2, 4, 6 and 15 to 18 months, plus one dose at 4 to 6 years of age.
Youths and adults
Those between the ages of 11 and 12: one dose of the Tdap vaccine.
All adults: one Tdap followed by a Td booster every 10 years.
Pregnant women: one dose of Tdap with each pregnancy at 27 to 36 weeks.
Availability
Children between 6 weeks and 18 years can get free immunizations through the Vaccines for Children Program at health-care provider offices.
SOURCE: Snohomish Health District
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