Boone County News Release

---

---

Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services Offering Free Tdap Vaccines

August 12, 2013

Free Tdap vaccines will be offered by Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 from 8:00AM until 7:00PM. Through participation in a statewide mass vaccination exercise, the free vaccination clinic is offered in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The vaccine will be provided on a walk-in basis while supplies last at Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, 1005 West Worley, Columbia.

By offering the Tdap vaccine, Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services are working to reduce the development of and spreading of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. Symptoms of whooping cough include severe coughing spells which can cause difficulty breathing, vomiting and disturbed sleep. As many as two out of every 100 adolescents and five out of every 100 adults with pertussis are hospitalized or have complications, which can include pneumonia or death.

Individuals who should receive the vaccine include:

• Anyone age 11 or older who has never had a Tdap vaccination.
• Students entering 8th grade in the fall (MO State Law requires Tdap vaccination).
• Anyone who has close contact with a baby younger than 12 months (parents, grandparents, caregivers, etc.).
• Healthcare professionals with direct patient contact.
• Pregnant women (current recommendations call for a Tdap vaccine with every pregnancy, to be given during the 3rd trimester).

The free Tdap vaccine will only be available during this specially-scheduled mass vaccination clinic. No appointment is needed as these will be provided on a walk-in basis. For questions or information, please contact Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services during regular clinic hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00AM through 4:30PM, at (573) 874-7356.

###