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June 23, 2003
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
Spike Seen in County Whooping Cough Cases
Tacoma News Tribune (WA) (www.tribnet.com)
P. B1; Lalwani, Sheila B.
Recent data suggests that whooping cough cases
are on the rise in Pierce County, Wash. Over the past eight months, the average
number of cases reported in a month was 12.3, which is four times the previous
rate. Pierce County recorded 68 cases as of the end of May, compared to 84 cases
for all of 2002. The state is working to improve immunization levels for
children, because although most children receive the first three pertussis
shots, only about 80 percent of children receive the fourth and final dose, says
state Department of Health health educator Cindy Gleason.
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"What's the point of vaccination if it doesn't protect you from the unvaccinated?"
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