Health Page

The Health Page will serve as a clearinghouse of notable health news, local medical services, health centers, as well as updated healthy living tips and weblinks.

**Health Notice**

Pertussis, aka whooping cough is now an EPIDEMIC in California.  Tdap (aka Adacel, a combined tetanus/pertussis booster) vaccine is indicated in the following people:

  • Anyone who lives with, or is a caregiver of, a child less than 6 months old
  • women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester pregnancy (this may provide passive immunization to the fetus)
  • Women of child-bearing years

Pertussis is an infection that causes fits of uncontrollable coughing followed by a “whoop” as people gasp for air after coughing.  Children often vomit after coughing as well.  Symptoms can last for 4-6 weeks.  Complications include pneumonia, seizures, and encephalopathy.  Infants under 1 year of age are at highest risk for developing severe complications, and 5 infants have already died this year in Los Angeles County from pertussis.  Why is pertussis an epidemic in California now?  Some of the reasons include parents choosing not to vaccinate their children.  Another reason is that many people lose their immunity to pertussis as they get older, even if they received “all of their shots” as a child. 

How can protect you and your family, and help reduce the spread of pertussis?  Make sure your child is “up to date” on his/her vaccinations.  If you are not sure, call your child’s physician’s office.  Adults can get a pertussis booster from his/her physician.  

Both adults and children can get free or low-cost vaccines from local Department of Public Health clinics, click here to find one near you.  Call for FREE immunizations in your area: 1-800-427-8700 or dial 211.  You can read more about pertussis here.  The closest DPH clinic is: 

Hollywood/Wilshire Public Health Center
5205 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 769-7800
 

Health Tip!   Washing your hands is one of the most important things you and your family can do to prevent illness. Hand washing protects your health by helping to remove dirt and germs that get on your hands during almost any activity.

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