In response to the ongoing whooping cough epidemic in the area, Snohomish Health District and Group Health Cooperative will offer free vaccine to protect adults from whooping cough, also called pertussis, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Group Health Everett Medical Center, 2930 Maple St., Everett, WA, 98201.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended by calling 425-339-8694 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 21-24.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is particularly harmful, and sometimes life threatening, to infants who have no immunity.

More than half of infants younger than one year who get pertussis must be hospitalized. Children and adults become sick enough to miss school and work.

Coughing fits due to pertussis infection can last 10 weeks and longer. Individuals should see their health care provider or clinic for a booster shot, which is a single shot of combined antigens to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap).

Learn more about the clinic, pertussis and the vaccine at the Snohomish Health District’s Web site, www.snohd.org. Visit the site to download consent forms and vaccine information in Spanish and English.
 

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