Not until 26 days into his illness, when a three- week old cousin became symptomatic, was pertussis suspected. At this point, he was cultured, tested positive, and put on appropriate antibiotics. Upon investigation, his mother, an aunt, and an 8 year-old immunized cousin were discovered to have been symptomatic prior to the index case. It does, however, cause symptoms to be milder than in those who are unimmunized, which can delay an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Therefore, pertussis must be considered, regardless of age or immunization status for any persistent cough illness with little or no fever, particularly if coughing is intermittent and followed by gagging or vomiting.
Booklets are free.
They may be used for children up to 19 years of age who meet the high risk criteria listed in the attached chart. Providers have already been sent instructions on how to order these vaccines. Influenza vaccine can be picked up in October in a one-time only shipment. The shipment of pneumococcal vaccine, however, has been delayed and will be sent out in a separate shipment when the vaccine arrives some time in October or November. Providers will be contacted when orders are ready.