Whooping Cough Vaccine Readily Available in 139 Washington State Rite Aid Pharmacies
April 27 2015 - 3:58PM
Business Wire
Washington State Department of Health Reports
Spike in Whooping Cough Cases for 2015
As the number of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) cases
increases, Rite Aid is encouraging Washington residents to get
vaccinated against the disease if they haven’t already done so.
Rite Aid pharmacists are readily available to administer the
whooping cough vaccine, Tdap, at all 139 Washington locations. Last
week, the Washington State Department of Health reported an
increase in the number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases this
year1. There have been 319 cases of whooping cough so far in 2015 –
a 551 percent increase in number of cases from 2014.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends
adolescents 11 and above receive the Tdap vaccine. Cost varies
based on the patient's insurance coverage and the Tdap vaccines are
covered by many insurance plans. Tdap vaccinations are available
during pharmacy hours and no appointment is necessary. To locate
the nearest Rite Aid pharmacy, visit www.riteaid.com or call
1-800-RITE-AID.
Although young children typically receive the DTaP vaccine, a
series of five shots which prevents diphtheria, tetanus and
pertussis, from their primary health care providers as part of a
regular vaccine schedule, the CDC recommends a Tdap dose between
ages 11 and 12; individuals who did not receive a Tdap dose at
those ages should receive one as soon as possible. Children between
the ages of 7 and 10 who did not receive their full childhood
schedule of DTaP may also receive their Tdap vaccine from a Rite
Aid certified immunizing pharmacist.
Additionally, the Tdap vaccine is recommended for healthcare
professionals and anyone having close contact with a baby younger
than 12 months, including grandparents, family members and
childcare providers. Women who are pregnant should get a Tdap
immunization during every pregnancy to protect their newborn from
whooping cough.
Named for the high-pitched “whooping” sound typically
accompanying severe coughing fits, whooping cough is a highly
contagious respiratory disease that is particularly dangerous for
infants. The CDC says about half of whooping cough patients under a
year of age require hospitalization and that getting vaccinated is
the best way to prevent the bacterial infection.
In addition to the Tdap vaccine, Rite Aid certified immunizing
pharmacists are able to vaccinate patients against more than a
dozen diseases based on the CDC’s vaccine guidelines and state
regulations.
Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE:RAD) is one of the nation's leading
drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the
District of Columbia and fiscal 2015 annual revenues of $26.5
billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background
and press releases, is available through the company's website at
www.riteaid.com.
1.
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/Pertussis-HCP-KeyMessages2015.pdf
Rite Aid CorporationKristin Kellum,
717-975-5713kristin.kellum@riteaid.com
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