Airmen reminded to get TDAP

Increased pertussis cases and outbreaks have been reported in a majority of states as of Nov. 17, 2012. Pertussis is a common disease often referred to as the whooping cough. It causes severe coughing spells, which can lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting and disturbed sleep. These symptoms can lead to weight loss, incontinence and rib fractures. (Photo courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control/Released)

Airmen reminded to get Tdap Vaccine

Published Dec. 20, 2012
By Capt. Venita Ramirez
86th Aerospace Medicine Squadron

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- As part of every Airman's individual medical readiness, the Air Force mandated in June for all personnel to receive the Tdap vaccine.

The Tdap vaccination helps prevent tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis.

All Airmen who have not received their Tdap vaccination by Jan. 1 will be considered overdue, and may be ineligible to deploy.

The pertussis component in the Tdap vaccine is commonly known as "whooping cough." This year, health professionals nationwide have seen an increased number of cases of pertussis or "whooping cough" than in previous years. In fact, the number of people affected this year is the highest seen since the 1950's. According to the Center for Disease Control, as of Nov. 17, more than 36,000 cases of pertussis and 16 pertussis-related deaths were reported this year.

What is Pertussis?

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that is easily spread through coughing or sneezing. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold, after one to two weeks, severe coughing begins. A person with whooping cough may cough violently and rapidly, many times until all the air is gone from their lungs. This leads to the characteristic "whooping" sound when they then inhale. The infection can take a toll on anyone, but infants and the elderly are the most severely affected.

Why Get Vaccinated?

According to the CDC, the best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated. While healthcare providers were vaccinating their due patients with Tdap, the number of cases and pertussis related deaths continued to rise in the United States due to a decreasing of immunity in adults. Therefore, the CDC's advisory committee on immunization practices expanded the immunizations schedule.

ACIP guidelines now recommend that adults and adolescents without record of a previous Tdap, should receive a Tdap irrespective of the date of their last tetanus vaccine. This population also includes women in the late second trimester or third trimester of pregnancy, as well as patients over the age of 65 who may come into contact with an infant.

For Active Duty Members: The Tdap booster is required for active duty members who have not had a Tdap booster within the last 10 years. Active duty members can check to see if they are due for Tdap, as well as their other IMR status by visiting https://imr.afms.mil/imr/MyIMR.aspx (CAC enabled).

How Can I Receive the Vaccine?

The Tdap vaccine is available for all 86th Medical Group beneficiaries. Vaccinations are offered on a walk-in basis at the Immunizations clinic (Bldg. 2114). The clinic is open Mondays through Fridays 7 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. except for the first Thursday of the month, when the clinic opens at noon.

For additional information, visit the CDC pertussis website at www.cdc.gov/Features/Pertussis or the CDC immunization schedule website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html . You can also contact the Immunization Clinic at DSN 479-2549.