Whooping Cough Epidemic in California

California is nearing its worst outbreak of pertussis in 50 years.  From the first of the year until July 16th, there have been almost 1,500 reported cases of pertussis with six infant deaths.  There is a much higher rate of incidence occurring among infant populations under the age of 1 year. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough is a highly contagious disease and preventable through vaccination. 

According to Amednews, experts claim the epidemic is due to a gap in vaccination.  Two possible reasons for the gap is that some parents refuse vaccination of their children because of safety concerns and some doctor’s don’t offer all the recommended immunizations because of payment issues.  Many doctors are not fully reimbursed by health insurers for the cost of the vaccine.  Some health insurers such as America’s Health Insurance Plans claim that doctors are receiving a fair return for vaccine costs.

According to the California Dept. of Public Health, a majority of children with pertussis were infected by parents or caregivers who are unaware of having the disease because symptoms are mild due to a higher level of immunity. On July 19th, new pertussis immunization recommendations were issued to help curb the outbreak in California. Physicians are encourages to administer 1 dose of the booster vaccine Tdap to anyone age 7 and older who is not fully immunized.  Physicians should also provide the booster to anyone caring for infants and to women of childbearing age. State legislation proposes that health insurers pay for the full cost of purchasing, storing and administering immunizations.  

To read the full article, visit Amednews.