Pertussis outbreaks & vaccination information
(August 18, 2010)
Through July 2010, several states have reported an increase in cases and/or localized outbreaks of pertussis, including a state-wide epidemic in California. Localized outbreaks are not uncommon and occur throughout the year. Over the last 5 years, 8,000-25,000 cases of pertussis were reported per year in the United States. When patients visit your office, review vaccinations records and verify they are up to date with the DTaP vaccine for infants and children or the Tdap booster for adolescents and adults.
Tdap covered with Medicare Part D
Remember the Tdap vaccine is a Part D covered drug that may be administered by a network provider or obtained from a network pharmacy and administered by a pharmacist registered for vaccine administration.
Vaccination of those over the age of 64 is important because neither prior vaccination nor natural disease confers life-long immunity. Studies have demonstrated that pertussis is under-diagnosed in adults and may present with milder symptoms. In addition, the source of infection for infants under 3 months of age is most commonly a household member or primary caregiver.
CDC's pertussis information
