Log In


Reset Password
News Education Local News Nation & World New Mexico

Free whooping cough vaccinations offered in Durango

Because pertussis, or whooping cough, cases are continuing to rise in La Plata County, San Juan Basin Health Department is offering free (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccinations Wednesday.

The San Juan Basin Health Department is asking residents to get their (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccinations – and it’s even offering a free clinic for adults Wednesday to make it easy.

Cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have been on the rise in 2015, with 41 cases reported year-to-date in La Plata County, and 31 have come since Sept. 1.

“During winter months, pertussis becomes more common, as it is a highly contagious disease,” the health department said in a news release. “While adult cases are not typically severe, the intensity of the cough can lead to rib fractures and other complications. For babies and children, this preventable disease can be deadly.”

The department called this a “public-health emergency response.”

Both the department and the Centers for Disease Control recommend the vaccination for both youths and adults. The CDC recommends a Tdap booster every five years and the tetanus booster every 10 years to retain immunity.

If you go

San Juan Basin Health Department is offering free (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccinations from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.

Visit www.sjbhd.org or www.cdc.org online for more information about pertussis and tetanus.

Nov 4, 2015
Durango High School student diagnosed with pertussis
Oct 15, 2015
Whooping cough is on the rise


Reader Comments