California declared a whooping cough (infection with the bacterium Bordetella pertussis) epidemic on June 18, 2010. As of June 24, 2010 there were 910 confirmed cases of pertussis in California with another 600 under investigation, compared with 210 cases for all of 2009.
Marin county has been disproportionated affected by the pertussis epidemic, most likely due to the high rate of vaccine refusal. So far in 2010 there have been 187 cases of pertussis in Marin (population 250,000). Los Angeles County, with a population of 10 million, has recorded fewer cases (148) this year. In fact, almost one third of the confirmed cases of pertussis in California are in Marin County.
The 5 deaths this year in California have been infants less than one year old. Infants, if they get vaccinated, are not fully immune until 6 months of age. Smaller airways and weaker immune systems also contribute to the increased fatality among infants.
Because infants, especially newborns, are at such high risk, the State of California as well as the CIty and County of San Francisco are now recommending a pertussis vaccine in the third trimester to boost mom's immunity in time for delivery.
Sanofi Pasteur, the manufacturer of the booster (ADACEL), often called the Tdap (it provides a booster against three different bacteria: tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis) have always stated the vaccine is safe in pregnancy. In addition, none of the pertussis containing vaccines in the United States contain thimerosal.
For more info: Whooping cough vaccine information, thimerosal, pertussis
Remember, this column does not represent direct medical advice
Comments
Last year in New Jersey they had multiple outbreaks of pertussis (Whooping Cough) in elementary schools. Kids in elementary schools have had 5 shots to protect them from this. Since New Jersey is the home to many vaccine manufacturers, they have the most stringent vaccine policy in the country. It was determined that over 99.9% of the kids who came down with pertussis were properly vaccinated. A cynic might say this vaccine does not even work. Would you still take the risk of seizures or brain injury knowing this fact? Not me. This article brings back memories of the fear mongering H1N1 p(l)andemic
Joes uninformed idle conjecture brings back memories of the wacko conspiracies regarding JFK's assination, the 9/11 Truthers, and who shot Cock Robin.
If you'd like to learn more about pertussis, how to protect yourself, and hear the true story of a mom whom lost her baby to pertussis join the San Francisco Immunization Coalition at the Ballpark on August 23. For more details, visit www.sfimmunize.org.
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