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Health News For Champlain

Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Eastern Ontario Health Unit
Protect Yourself From Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis. Get Vaccinated

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is reminding residents about the importance of updating their immunizations. The EOHU is now offering the Tdap vaccine, a three-in-one booster that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Pertussis is a serious disease that has been on the rise in recent years among teenagers and adults—who can then spread it to infants and younger children. The Tdap vaccine can protect today’s teens and adults whose childhood immunization may have worn off. Getting the vaccine can also indirectly help protect newborns and children too young to be vaccinated.

The Tdap vaccine is recommended for:

Children 7 years of age and older who missed their childhood series of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccination
Adolescents between 14 and 16 years of age (up to 18 years of age if dose is missed)
Adults (19 to 64 years of age) who missed their adolescent dose. Adults need to continue to protect themselves by getting a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.

You can receive the vaccine through the EOHU, or your healthcare provider. Remember to call the EOHU at 613-933-1375 or 1-800-267-7120 every time you receive a vaccine in order to update your immunization record.

For more information, go to www.eohu.ca and visit the Adult section on Immunization and Communicable Diseases, or call 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120. Ask for Health Line.