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Source: Delaware News Journal

09/04/2012

Delaware health officials are encouraging adults to get vaccinated against whooping cough with Tdap at least two weeks before coming in close contact with an infant. From January 1 to July 31 of this year, there were 20 cases of whooping cough reported, compared with 12 over the same period last year, according to the Delaware Division of Public Health. A single booster dose of Tdap is recommended for teenagers and adults 11-64 years who have not previously received a dose (including those who had previously received DTP/DTaP). Adults 65 and older who will likely be in close contact with children within 12 months and who have not previously received Tdap also should get a single dose. Whooping cough is on the rise across the country, and a pertussis epidemic was declared in Washington state in April.