Whooping cough is a serious illness that is especially dangerous to young infants. According to this report, whooping cough cases have been climbing steadily each year since the last outbreak in 2016.
Last month, California reported the state’s first death from whooping cough in two years. Tragically, an infant not even six months old had been exposed to the illness and was unable to recover.
With officials predicting the next outbreak to occur this year or next, it’s important to make sure your child is protected against this highly contagious infection.
In the wake of this tragedy, the following statement has been released:
“California public health officials are urging pregnant women to get vaccinated, as the antibodies from a vaccine received between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy can help protect the infant until he or she is old enough to be vaccinated. Babies can receive their own vaccines as early as six weeks, and children need five doses of the vaccine before they begin kindergarten.”
It’s important to understand that taking precautions against this horrible illness not only protects your child, it protects everyone around you.
Liz Coffman
Liz Coffman has worked in the advertising industry for over 7 years and is passionate about connecting people to the world around them through her writing. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Liz is also a professional musician, avid rock climber, hiker and adventure seeker.
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