The Santa Clara County Public Health Department is offering free
whooping cough vaccinations starting Sunday and running through the
middle of October. Vaccinations will be provided to people who
cannot afford health insurance or have access to medical care.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department is offering free whooping cough vaccinations starting Sundayand running through the middle of October. Vaccinations will be provided to people who cannot afford health insurance or have access to medical care.
Instances of whooping cough have increased significantly in 2010, with 3,076 cases having been reported as of August 17 vs. 434 cases reported during the same period last year. In Santa Clara County, 138 cases of whooping cough have been reported this year, compared to 25 during the entirety of 2009. Eight infants have died so far this year from the disease, although none of these have been in Santa Clara County.
Infants are much more susceptible to developing whooping cough and it is recommended persons 7 years or older living with or caring for infants be vaccinated in order to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
The Public Health Department is especially concerned about vaccinating with the Latino community, because all 8 infant deaths in California were among Latino babies. Pregnant women must bring a doctor’s prescription.
Where to get vaccinated:
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Arteaga’s Super Save Market,
6906 Chestnut Street, Gilroy
5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday
Rotacare Clinic at the Gilroy Neighborhood Health Clinic
South Valley Junior High School
7861 Murray Avenue, Gilroy
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, August 29
La Región Super Market
400 S. King Road, San Jose
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, October 16
Mayfair Community Center
2039 Kammerer, San Jose
