Monday, June 4, 2012

County health officials have extended the criteria to be eligible for free Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccines.

The vaccine is free to any Sedgwick County resident age 19 and older without insurance, or parents and caregivers of children younger than age six.

Tdap helps prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

Tetanus is an infection caused by injury to the body resulting from cuts, scratches or other wounds.

Diphtheria causes a thick covering at the back of the throat, which could lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and possible death.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a potentially fatal disease that causes periods of severe coughing, possible vomiting and sleep disturbance.

Vaccinations are offered at the health department clinic at 2716 W. Central, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; noon to 6:30 p.m. Thursday; and 8 to 11:30 a.m. Friday.

The vaccine will be available while supplies last.

Please contact the Sedgwick County Health Department at 316-660-7300 with any questions.