The Moniteau County Health Center will be offering free TdaP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccinations to children 11 years old and older, and adults during clinics in July. The clinics will be held at the following locations:
Tipton Nutrition Center, July 16, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.;California Nutrition Center, July 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Moniteau County Health Center, July 18, 3-7 p.m.; California High School, July 27, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., during the Back to School Fair.
"This is an opportunity to provide mass vaccination of TdaP vaccine to a large portion of our population free of charge," says Christine Koestner, Immunization Coordinator. "We hope that residents of Moniteau County will take advantage of this opportunity to get updated on their tetanus status and if they have never had the pertussis booster, this is the perfect time. During the summer months, people are more likely to have an injury that would increase their risk of tetanus."
The TdaP vaccine offers protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). These can be very serious illnesses, even for teens and adults.
Tetanus causes painful muscle tightening and stiffness all over the body, sometimes so severe a person can't even open their mouth, swallow or breathe. Tetanus kills about one out of every five people who are infected. Tetanus status should be updated at least every 10 years.
Diphtheria can cause a thick coating to form in the back of the throat that leads to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death.
Pertussis is commonly known as whooping cough. It causes severe coughing spells that can lead to problems breathing, vomiting and difficulty sleeping. It can also lead to weight loss, incontinence, rib fractures, hospitalization, pneumonia, and even death.
One dose of TdaP is routinely given to adolescents at age 11 or 12. It is a requirement prior to entry into eighth grade. People who did not get TdaP at that age should get it as soon as possible. Pregnant women should receive a TdaP during each pregnancy to protect the newborn baby. To minimize an infant's risk of being exposed to disease and serious illness, it is very important for anyone who has close contact with an infant under one year old to get vaccinated. This includes parents, siblings, grandparents, child care workers, and other caregivers.
TdaP vaccinations will be offered at no charge during these three clinics, regardless of insurance status.
For more information contact the Moniteau County Health Center,
401 S. Francis Street, California,
573-796-3412.