PALESTINE —
The Palestine City Council heard a presentation on the importance of vaccines for adults on Monday, with Russell Hopkins of the Northeast Texas Public Heath District in Tyler speaking particularly on the pertussis vaccine.
According to Hopkins, there have been 33 cases of Pertussis (whooping cough) reported in Anderson County since Jan. 1.
The disease is unique in that it can lie dormant in adults but, if they are not vaccinated, can still be passed on to children — especially babies up to 3 months old who are not immune to the disease.
“The current vaccine for whooping cough is so safe that now immunity is waning — children are getting it from adults instead of the other way around,” Hawkins said. “But it all can be prevented with a shot.”
Hawkins also addressed vaccines for bacterial pneumonia, the flu and the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shot.
“Measles-mumps-rubella cases are up — making their way to the U.S. from Europe,” Hawkins said, “and the flu will spike in January.”
The Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap) vaccine and other preventative care, Hawkins said, is usually covered by insurance carriers such as the Texas Municipal League, who provides the city employee’s insurance.
City council member Steve Presley, who is a pharmacist, joined Hawkins in encouraging parents, grandparents or anyone who spends time with small children to be vaccinated.
The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends that adults over the age of 18 substitute a 1-time dose of Tdap for Td booster; then boost with Td every 10 years..
The flu vaccine is recommended annually.
Vaccination schedules for children and adolescents as well as for adults with certain medical conditions can be found online at www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize.
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Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com
Local News
City hears about pertussis vaccine
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