Vermont Declares Whooping Cough Epidemic Vermont health
officials are declaring an epidemic for whooping cough and
urging adults to get a new vaccine for the disease. More than
500 people have come down with whooping cough, also called
pertussis, so far this year — more than 10 times the amount
reported by the end of last year, reports CBS News. More than 20
babies less than one year old have also had the disease. Six
infants have been hospitalized in relation to it. The Health
Department continues to urge residents to get a Tdap vaccine,
which protects them from tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis. The
recommendation is for adults to help prevent the spread of
disease for those who are too young to get a vaccine. State
health commissioner Dr. Henry Chen stated: “Vermont has not had
an infant death from whooping cough in more than 20 years and we
all must do everything we can to keep it that way. We are urging
everyone over the age of 11 to take advantage of our vaccine
clinics.” USA Today notes that about 90 p