Also known as whooping cough, Pertussis is still here, and it is very dangerous to infants and very young children. If your children have not been immunized with the Diphtheria, Tetanus and acellular Pertussis (DTaP) or Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTP) vaccine, they are at risk.

You may have read or been told that the immunization is dangerous and may result in febrile seizures. Certain groups and individuals have made the claim that this is true. They base this on the fact that febrile seizures occur most frequently from birth to 2 or 3 years of age. That same age group receives the vaccine with Pertussis. There is no scientific evidence that a causative link exits. Additionally, with the advent of the newer DTaP acellular form of Pertussis vaccine the incidence of immunization-related fevers has decreased.

We do know for sure, from a study in 1995, that 75% of all hospitalized cases of Pertussis were infants and just under 1 out of 100 of these cases was fatal.

Pertussis, or whooping cough is caused by the organism Bordetella Pertussis a highly communicable infection of the upper respiratory tract. It is passed to children and infants from adults who may have a mild form of the disease. Immunity to Pertussis develops from the disease or from vaccination but only lasts from five to 10 years. This means that Pertussis remains a significant health threat. Recurrence after infection or immunization is usually mild. The primary disease is mild in older children and adults, so the vaccine is not given to children over the age of seven.

Most young adults, particularly those starting new families, are susceptible to Pertussis. That really bad cold with fever and chills, and maybe some vomiting that has been dragging on for most of the month, could easily be whooping cough. Please don’t put your children at risk. Have them properly immunized starting at birth. Don’t wait until they need shots for school or day care.

For information on immunization schedules please give us a call at Eagle River Family Practice or contact your health care provider.

Most Alaska health care providers receive immunization serum from the Alaska State Immunization Program and provide immunizations for a minimal administrative fee to cover expenses. If your insurance does not cover the shots and you are unable to afford them, let your provider know. There are programs available to insure all of Alaska’s children get their immunizations.

Fredrick G. May
Physician Assistant, Certified
Eagle River Family Practice
694-4333