For immediate release: May 3, 2005 (05-047)

Contacts:
Michele Perrin, Immunization Program 360-236-3720
Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076

OLYMPIA ¾ The Washington State Department of Health is launching a Fourth ‘DTaP’ Initiative to fight pertussis and protect children. The DTaP vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; children need five doses of the vaccine to have the best protection against these diseases. The fourth dose is the most frequently missed of the series. The statewide initiative aims to increase childhood immunization rates by promoting timely administration of the fourth DTaP dose.

Increasing pertussis and low immunization rates are both current challenges in Washington. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is the most commonly reported vaccine-preventable condition in the state and disease rates are higher than national averages. In 2003 pertussis incidence in Washington was 13.8 per 100,000 people; the national rate was 4.1 per 100,000 people. Young children have the highest incidence of any age group.

The fourth DTaP is due between 15-18 months. Nearly 20 percent of Washington children 19-35 months have not received their fourth DTaP. Washington has consistently achieved lower fourth DTaP immunization rates than the national average, according to National Immunization Survey data. Without proper vaccination, children are susceptible to pertussis and are most likely to suffer severe illness and serious complications.

"Pertussis is most severe in babies. More than half of the babies under a year old who get the disease must be hospitalized," said State Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes. "Older children and adults can get pertussis, too, but it is much less severe and might be mistaken for a bad chest cold. Babies who get pertussis usually catch it from their older brothers and sisters or from their parents."

"My son got pertussis when he was only a month old. It was a very frightening experience — he coughed almost 24 hours a day, often turning purple," said Krista Armstrong from Buckley. "He got infected before he was old enough to get the vaccine. People should be aware that this disease is out there, and how important it is to be sure children are up to date on their immunizations to help protect children who are most vulnerable."

Parent and provider awareness are key components of ensuring that a child’s immunizations are up-to-date. Educational materials have been created for parents and health care providers for the Fourth DTaP Initiative. Public service announcements for television, radio, newspaper, and billboards were also produced. All materials were produced in Washington and created specifically for state residents who contributed to research and design.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends immunizing children on time, at two, four, and six months; between 15 and18 months; and a booster at four-to-six years. CHILD Profile, a computerized immunization record system, allows health care providers to quickly look up whether a child is up to date on vaccines. "The vaccine is readily available," Dr. Hayes continued. "I urge parents to protect their children and make sure immunizations are up to date."

Parents are urged to use their regular health care providers for child immunizations. For help finding an immunization clinic, parents can call their local health department or the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (http://www.hmhbwa.org) hotline at 1-800-322-2588. In King County, visit one of nine Immunization Clinics run by Public Health - Seattle & King County. Information on these immunization clinics (http://www.metrokc.gov/health/immunization) is online or by calling 206-296-4774.

This campaign is part of a comprehensive effort by the Department of Health to promote childhood immunization. More information on the Fourth DTaP and other childhood immunizations is available on the Department of Health Immunizations Web site (http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize/dtap.htm).

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