Health

DHEC to offer free whooping cough shots

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell
DHEC to help students prepare for school
DHEC to help students prepare for school

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.—If you’re a parent and have a soon-to-be seventh grader in need of vaccination for the whooping cough, listen up. The Department of Health and Environmental Control will offer T-dap vaccines at two area clinics on August 17th.

For the 2013-2014 school year, the T-dap vaccine is a new school entry requirement for all incoming seventh graders. Health experts say taking advantage of the vaccination clinics is a great way for parents to make sure their children are ready for school at no cost to them.

“T-dap is a booster to the whooping cough vaccine given to infants, and protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis,” said Dr. Riyadh Muhammad, pediatrician and DHEC medical consultant.

Muhammad said, unfortunately, protection against these diseases fades with time.

“By age ten, the effectiveness of the original vaccine can decrease, causing the child to be more susceptible to these diseases. This makes the Tdap/whooping cough vaccine an important step in keeping children healthy,” the doctor added.

While the vaccination is required for incoming seventh graders, vaccinations will be available to everyone.

Health experts recommend the T-dap shot for the following people:

• Children ages 11 and up

• Individuals who spend time around babies less than 12 months old

• Pregnant women

• Anyone who has not had a tetanus or T-dap booster in the last 10 years

In Berkeley County, residents can receive the free shot in the following locations from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on August 17th:

•Moncks Corner Health Department

109 West Main Street

Moncks Corner, SC 29461

•Goose Creek Health Department

106 Westview Drive

Goose Creek, SC 29445

If you have any questions about the vaccination, you’re asked to call either (843) 953-0090 or 1-888-553-6844 for additional information.
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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