WEST MILFORD — The West Milford Health Department is offering the pertussis vaccine (Tdap-tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) for adults and children.
According to the Health Department, any adult who has not had a Tdap booster could risk a newborn or any child to become ill with the Pertussis (whooping cough). "Pertussis is very active in New Jersey. Let's work together to keep West Milford Township safe from this very contagious disease," according to a press release from the Health Department. "DPT, or pertussis immunity, reduces over time, so it is possible to get pertussis even with a history of vaccination or disease."
Newborns can die from pertussis and infants most often contract pertussis from family members. Pregnant women are recommended to obtain a pertussis booster shot, with every pregnancy irrespective of their prior history of receiving Tdap. Immunize between 27 and 36 weeks gestation (at the earliest opportunity during this window) to maximize the transfer of maternal antibody to the infant.
Here are some facts about pertussis:
Pertussis is often misdiagnosed. It starts like a cold with runny nose and cough.
Typically, after 1 to 2 weeks, symptoms in adults progress to severe coughing attacks that may include:
post-tussive vomiting
a high-pitched “whoop”
sweating episodes, gagging, choking sensation
complications, such as broken ribs or pneumonia.
Tdap should also be given:
to all adolescents and adults who have not received Tdap.
after giving birth, before hospital discharge, to women who have not received Tdap (even if breastfeeding).
to other family members and close contacts of infants who have not received Tdap, ideally at least 2 weeks prior to contact with the baby.
The West Milford Health Department has the Tdap vaccine available for $31 or free for those with no insurance or insurance that does not cover this vaccine.
Call Paula Edelstein, senior public health nurse, for an appointment at 973-728-2726.