CR schools will provide pertussis vaccines for middle school students

Pertussis, often called whooping cough, is spreading throughout the state.

At this time last year, 207 people statewide reported having the illness. This year, 427 people have gotten that diagnosis.

The Linn County Health Department says the number of local cases has more than doubled in the past week. That brings the total number of cases in Linn County this year to 26.

Now, the Linn County Health Department will use federal stimulus money to give free Tdap, commonly referred to as a “Pertussis vaccine,” to any Cedar Rapids middle school student who wants the shot. The vaccines will be administered in December.

This is only the second time in history that the Cedar Rapids school district has offered a vaccine at school. Last year, the district provided free H1-N1 shots for students.

“If I can limit the sickness, it's a lot better,” parent Stacy Dejesus said, “A lot of time, it's hectic to get into the doctor's office to wait in line.”

Vickie Smith of the Linn County Health Department said, “Pertussis is a bacterial infection spread through the respiratory route, person to person. It can be very serious in young children and pregnant women.”

Doctors say people with the disease need to stay home from work or school for five days after they start taking antibiotics.

“That's a lot of missed days. It's important to do what we can to prevent the spread of this disease,” Rhoda Shepherd, director of student services, said, “I think it will be in the best interest of our kids and our community.”

Even with the antibiotics, symptoms can often linger long after the treatment ends.

“It's sometimes referred to as the 100-day cough. People can cough with this disease for three months after they've been treated,” Smith said.

By offering the vaccinations at school, health officials aim to make it easier for parents to immunize their children and keep the as many people as possible from getting sick.

The Pertussis vaccine also protects against Tetanus and Diphtheria.

This is an optional program and any parents who have concerns about giving their children the vaccine don't have to participate.