Both WRAL and NBC 17 did stories this week featuring WakeMed Physician Dr. Michele Casey about the importance of getting the whooping cough vaccine.
Eighty-two cases of the contagious disease were recently confirmed in Alamance County.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial disease which leads to severe coughing that can cause people to make a whooping sound as they gasp for breath.
The Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough, lasts for about 10 years and is recommended for all adults, but especially for those who are around vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly.
I got a tetanus shot a few years ago for a cut. Did I get a TDAP or just a tetanus shot?
Hi Linda: The health care provider who gave you the shot should be able to answer your question. Thanks for posting!