News Release

Students: Get a pertussis shot

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Tdap vaccine prevents pertussis, tetanus and diptheria.

Student Health Services (SHS) is encouraging students to schedule a pertussis vaccination.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting a rise in pertussis (whooping cough) cases in the United States. Minnesota has more than 3,500 cases reported in 2012. View the Minnesota's Pertussis Epidemic Response document (PDF). SHS staff have seen cases on campus.

• Schedule a vaccination by calling 320-308-3193
• Book a vaccination at myhealthservices.stcloudstate.edu

Pertussis usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a mild cough with low-grade fever. Severe coughing can begin in a week or two. Unlike the common cold, pertussis can produce a series of coughing fits that continues for weeks.

Vaccination with Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine) is the most effective way to prevent pertussis. Adults should have a booster dose of Tdap.

If you think you have pertussis, or have been exposed to someone with pertussis, you may need antibiotics to treat or prevent the disease.

Related websites:

• CDC pertussis webpage
• Minnesota Department of Health pertussis webpage
• Student Health Services

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