In office vaccination available for parents and other adult household members
Willows Pediatric Group is pleased to announce that we are making the Pertussis/Whooping Cough vaccine (known as Tdap, brand name Adacel) available to all Moms, Dads, Grandparents, nannies, or extended family members who visit your home. With the recent increase in the number of cases of Pertussis/Whooping Cough in infants, vaccination against Pertussis/Whooping cough is highly recommended for any adult living in or visiting a household where there is an infant.
What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is caused by a highly contagious organism that is passed by coughing and sneezing. In recent years, the disease has made a significant comeback. Symptoms similar to the common cold can progress to rapid coughing and severe breathing problems.
Who is at Risk?
Infants have the highest risk of contracting pertussis. Unfortunately, they can’t begin receiving the vaccine to protect themselves from this illness until 6-8 weeks of age, and the initial series of three doses of vaccine takes months to complete. Researchers have found that 80% of infants diagnosed with pertussis caught the disease from family members. Adults who have pertussis may not realize they have it, and spread the disease unknowingly to infants.
How can I Protect my Infant?
Immunizing children and adults who are regularly exposed to your infant is your baby’s best protection. Children who follow the regular well child-care vaccination schedule are immunized against whooping cough through their routine DaPT vaccines. Children 11 years of age and over are routinely given a Tdap vaccine as a booster shot at one of their checkups. Adults can also be immunized with the vaccine called Tdap, which offers protection not only against whooping cough, but also serves as a booster against tetanus and diphtheria.
How do Adults Take Advantage of this Program?
Parents, and any other individuals who regularly visit your home who are under age 65 years, may receive the Tdap vaccine at any of your infant’s regular well child examination appointments. You will be asked to sign a medical waiver (please check with your physician if you have any questions as to whether you are able to receive this vaccine) prior to Willows administering the vaccine.
The cost to receive the vaccine will be $69.00/per vaccine, which is payable at the time of service.
To save time at your visit, you may print out our vaccine administration sheet and bring it to you child’s check up.