Walgreens raises awareness around whooping-cough vaccine availability in Washington

DEERFIELD, Ill. — With epidemic levels of whooping cough reported in the state of Washington that are creating the need for more immunizations resources, Walgreens on Tuesday announced that it is offering immunizations that provide protection against the highly contagious respiratory infection (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis-Tdap vaccine) at all of its 129 locations statewide.



“We share in the recommendations of health officials that one of the best things people can do to help keep themselves and their community healthy is to get vaccinated,” stated Robbie Jacobs, Walgreens market pharmacy director. “As some of the most trusted healthcare professionals in communities across our state, this is an excellent opportunity for our pharmacists to help educate residents about the importance of vaccinations and how we can all work together to help slow the spread of disease to some of the most vulnerable: our children. It is extremely important for those who care for or are in contact with children also be immunized to help prevent the spread of disease.”



According to the Washington State Department of Health, there have been a total of 1,132 pertussis cases reported statewide through April 28, compared with 117 reported cases in 2011 during the same time period. The epidemic is on pace for as many as 3,000 cases in 2012.



Walgreens pharmacists in Washington can administer the vaccine to protect against whooping cough to patients older than 7 years.



For the latest pertussis immunization recommendations for children and adults, as well as vaccine information, visit the Washington State Department of Health website at DOH.wa.gov.