Adults and Teens Need Tdap Booster Immunizations

Missouri has seen an increase in confirmed and probable cases of pertussis through the first half of 2012. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable respiratory disease that can be passed easily from person-to-person.  Pertussis is caused by a bacteria found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person and is spread when that person coughs, sneezes or talks.  Pertussis is a year-round disease that typically peaks in the fall and winter during cold and flu season.  The best way to protect against pertussis is vaccination.