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Published in News for Women on Jul 11th 2014

California Experiencing a Whooping Cough Epidemic

California is currently experiencing a pertussis epidemic. Pertussis, also known as "whooping cough", occurs in young infants and can be prevented when pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks during gestation. The Tdap vaccine is recommended by ACOG, ACNM, CDC, and the CDPH. Tdap is safe, has not been shown to cause any issues, and can provide a baby with immunity against Pertussis until he or she is old enough to be vaccinated. Patients are encouraged to receive Tdap during a routine prenatal care visit. For more information, please visit the following resources online:

• sfcdcp.org/pertussis.html
• cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/Pertussis.aspx
• cdc.gov/Features/pertussis