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TMA's Committee on Infectious Diseases is working with Williamson County officials and health care workers to slow the spread of pertussis by campaigning for vaccinations. The project will focus on promoting Tdap vaccine in Williamson County, where officials have reported a steady rise in the number of pertussis cases. So far in 2009, 142 cases have been confirmed in the county – up from 18 cases in 2008.
The immunization project will include continuing education programs for physicians and other health care workers supporting the "cocooning" immunization strategy in hospitals. The strategy is designed to protect unvaccinated infants by encouraging immunizations among adults and children who have close contact with newborns.
The Tdap vaccine will be promoted among parents, family members, and health care workers at two Williamson County hospitals during fall 2009. The pilot project is intended to serve as a model for other communities and is funded by a grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
For more information, e-mail CJ Bradford at TMA, or call her at (800) 880-1300, ext. 1396, or (512) 370-1396.
Action, Aug. 3, 2009
Last Published: 7/31/2009 Print this page
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