Washington State Provides Free Whooping Cough Vaccinations Today, May 9th

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, has reached epidemic levels in Washington State, as pointed out in an earlier article here. The number of cases continues to climb.

Washington Secretary of Health Mary Selecky stated last Thusday:

In my 13 years as secretary this is the first time I’ve had to use the word ‘epidemic’ about disease in our state…Pertussis is very serious, especially for babies. It’s vital that teens and adults are current on their immunizations because they’re often the ones who give whooping cough to babies. We’re headed for unprecedented numbers of cases. We’ve got to keep spreading the word to help prevent the spread of illness.

On Thusrday, May 3^rd, Gov. Chris Gregoire declared that the state will purchase 27,000 doses of the vaccine; which is funded by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Snohomish County will get 2,760 doses of whooping cough vaccine from the state. The provided doses are in addition to the existing whooping cough vaccinations programs for low-income and uninsured adults.

Snohomish Health District announced free vaccinations for low income and uninsured people today, May 9^th, at Cascade Valley Darrington Clinic: 1190 Riddle St., Darrington, Washington, from 5-7pm.

Free or low-cost vaccinations are also available at other locations. More information can be found on the Washington State Department of Health and Snohomish Health District websites.