Media Contact: Susan Simpson
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Phone: (405) 271-2323

For patient information, call OU Physicians at 271-2222.

Aug. 11, 2010 – Until the 1940s, whooping cough was a common childhood illness — and cause of death. That changed with the development of the pertussis vaccine, commonly known as DTaP. But, pediatricians at OU Medicine said as the rates of vaccination in some states dwindle, more children are becoming infected and health officials are reporting outbreaks.

California is dealing with such an outbreak that has affected more than 1,500 people, mostly children, and 700 more cases of whooping cough are being investigated. Many of the patients infected with the disease have been hospitalized with severe complications and seven children have died.

Casey Hester, M.D., a pediatrician with OU Medicine, said Oklahoma should not take the same risk.

“Pertussis and other highly contagious diseases are preventable through immunization,” Hester said. “Take the time to find out about pertussis and other vaccines. Learn what they do and how they work, and most importantly, talk to your child’s doctor about current recommendations and vaccine safety. Some concerns about safety may not be supported by scientific evidence or may be no longer relevant due to changes in vaccines. We welcome your questions.”

According to the state Health Department, Oklahoma now ranks 39^th in the nation with 73.6 percent of children age 19 months through age 2 fully immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, Hib and hepatitis B.

“Millions of Americans – children and adults – are alive, healthy and productive today as a result of immunization and prevention,” Hester said. “The future health of our state, our nation and our world depends upon it. Let’s not allow Oklahoma to be the site of the next outbreak. Get vaccinated.”

In Oklahoma, the following vaccines are required for all students in grades kindergarten through the 12^th grade for the 2010-2011 school year:

• 4 or 5 doses of DTaP
• 3 or 4 doses of Polio
• 2 doses of MMR
• 1 dose of varicella (chicken pox)
• 2 or 3 doses of Hepatitis B
• 2 doses of Hepatitis A

Although a 2nd dose of varicella vaccine is not required in Oklahoma, it is recommended for children ages 4-6 and for all children who did not receive it at ages 4-6. Also, Tdap is not required for the 2010-2011 school year, but will be required for 7^th grade students beginning in the 2011-2012 school year.

To find immunization schedules for children, adolescents and adults, go online to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm or www.ok.gov/health/Disease,_Prevention,_Preparedness/Immunizations/.

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In Attendance 

Casey Hester, M.D.
Pediatrician
OU Medicine