September 5, 2006

TDAP VACCINE PROTECTS FAMILIES

The new Tdap vaccine, recommended for all adults ages 19 to 64, helps prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

According to Pasadena Public Health Department, family members of all ages, from young children to senior citizens, pick up infectious diseases from work or school and transmit them to others at home.

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, causes a painful tightening of the muscles throughout the body and a “locking” of the jaw that prevents swallowing. Tetanus leads to death in about 20 percent of cases.

Diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat that can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and even death.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, infects tens of thousands of people throughout the U.S. annually and is the number one disease affecting very young children. In addition to causing coughing spells that affect eating, drinking and breathing, the disease can lead to pneumonia and more serious problems.

Adults are encouraged to talk to their physicians about the Tdap vaccine or call Pasadena Public Health Department’s Adult and Travel Immunization Clinic at
(626) 744-6128 to make an appointment for low-cost immunizations. The clinic is open Mondays from 1:15 to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:15 to 10:45 a.m. and 1:15 to 4:30 p.m.