What you need to know about Tdap

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis can be very serious diseases. Tdap vaccine can protect us from these diseases.

TETANUS (Lockjaw) causes painful muscle tightening and stiffness, usually all over the body.  It can lead to tightening of muscles in the head and neck so you can’t open your mouth, swallow or sometimes even breathe. Tetanus kills about 1 out of 5 people who are infected.

DIPHTHERIA can cause a thick coating to form in the back of the throat.  It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death.

PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough) causes severe coughing spells, which can cause difficulty breathing, vomiting and disturbed sleep.  It can also lead to weight loss, incontinence, and rib fractures. Up to 2 in 100 adolescents and 5 in 100 adults with pertussis are hospitalized or have complications which could include pneumonia or death.

These diseases are caused by bacteria. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds.

Tdap vaccine can protect adolescents and adults from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. One dose of Tdap is routinely given at age 11 or 12. People who did not get Tdap at that age should get it as soon as possible. Tdap is especially important for health care professionals and anyone having close contact with a baby younger than 12 months. Pregnant women should have a Tdap vaccine during every pregnancy to protect the newborn from pertussis. Infants are most at risk for severe life-threatening complications from pertussis.

For more information about Tdap

Ask your doctor, call 1-800-232-4636 or visit the CDC’s website at 

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.html

Influenza vaccine

The flu shot is recommended if you are pregnant during flu season. Influenze is a contagious disease that spreads around the US every winter, usually between October and May. The flu is caused by the influenza virus and can be spread by coughing, sneezing and close contact.   Please check your insurance to see if this service is covered.   Appointments may be made during scheduled times. You may see these times listed on the "TDap, Gardasil,Depo and Flu Injection schedule" page.  Flu shots will be available October 1st.