RALEIGH -- After continued outbreaks of pertussis (whooping cough) across the state, state health officials are encouraging people of all ages to be immunized against this highly contagious but preventable respiratory disease. As of August 14, state public health officials had tracked 326 cases of pertussis, including 50 cases in infants.  Because of high numbers of pertussis cases in Davidson, Forsyth and Rockingham counties, DHHS has authorized local health departments in those counties to provide vaccine at no charge to anyone, regardless of insurance status. 

"State law requires that kindergartners and all rising 6^th graders be up to date on pertussis vaccination before going to school," said Acting State Health Director Robin Cummings, M.D.  "But as parents are getting their children ready to go back to school, it is also a good opportunity for parents to check on immunizations for the whole family. Any adults or older siblings, especially those who will be around newborns, should be vaccinated against pertussis."
 
Infants who are not fully vaccinated against pertussis are susceptible to severe complications. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, in infants younger than 1 year of age who get pertussis, about half are hospitalized.  Of those infants who are hospitalized, 1 or 2 in 100 will die.