Parent Information

The news media has been full of information about the dramatic increase in whooping cough (pertussis) infections. This increase has lead Alameda County Pubic Health Department officials to increase awareness and to remind residents to get a whooping cough vaccination.

Whooping cough is very contagious illness spread by coughing and sneezing. It is deadly in young infants. The symptoms vary with age. Infants may have a runny nose and a pause in their breathing, with very little cough. Some infants may have coughing episodes that lead to a whooping sound. In adolescents and adults, symptoms my start like a common cold and then persist with a cough that lasts for weeks or months. Fever is rare.

Vaccination is the best defense against whopping cough. Parents need to be proactive in making sure that they and their children have up to date vaccinations. Public health officials are expecting an increase as the school year begins. All women of childbearing age should get a booster shot to prevent spreading whooping cough to newborns and infants. Babies and young children should be fully immunized for Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (DTaP) by age 6.

For everyone 7 and older there is a whooping cough booster shot (Tdap), which is recommended.

Please talk to your health care provider about this as well as when your child can receive the flu vaccine this Fall. We are all striving to keep our schools a safe and healthy place to learn. Please feel free to call your district nurses with any questions. If you need vaccines, attached are the free clinics that the county has made available for our residents.

Thank you and welcome back to school.

Nora P. Crans,R.N.M.S., PHN

Credentialed School Nurse

510-760-3135

Sandee Velasquez, RN FNP

Credentialed School Nurse

510-755-0103