Three Viruses: One Vaccine

Adults are typically very proactive when it comes to the health of their children, but often fail to dedicate the same energy to their own health, such as staying current on important immunization schedules. There is a common misconception that the need for vaccinations stops after childhood, but many vaccinations received as children may need to be updated as adults.

Pertussis
According to the National Library of Medicine, pertussis (also known as whooping cough) is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing and can make it difficult to breathe, as well as lead to pneumonia and rib fracture. A deep "whooping" sound is often heard when the patient tries to take a breath. Many states nationwide are experiencing rises in pertussis cases among adults, likely due to individuals failing to receive new doses of the pertussis vaccine every 10 years.

Because it is spread person-to-person, parents of young children should make sure they’re up-to-date on the pertussis vaccine to prevent their child from contracting the illness. Pertussis can hit children even harder than adults, and because it’s contagious and can last for months, it can be extremely dangerous when introduced into a school setting.

Tetanus
Tetanus (also known as lockjaw) is a nervous system disease that causes severe muscle spasms and occurs when bacteria often found in soil enters the body through a break in the skin. In the United States, most cases of tetanus follow a contaminated cut or deep puncture injury, such as a wound caused by stepping on a nail. As we enter spring and spend more time outside gardening or around a pool with bare feet, making sure you’re up to date with a tetanus vaccine is even more important.

Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a lung disease spread by coughing and sneezing and can lead to breathing problems. Once infected, toxins produced by the bacteria can spread through your bloodstream to other organs, such as the heart, and cause significant damage.

Stay Protected with Tdap
Tdap is a one-time adult combination shot that protects against tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria. Tdap is recommended every 10 years for people 11 through 64 years of age and is available at The Little Clinic.

Who needs this vaccine:
• Parents
• Healthcare workers
• Gardeners
• Construction workers
• Anyone with a wound that might become infected
• Anyone who might become pregnant