Public Health Sauk County Urges All Adults and Children Be Vaccinated Against Whooping Cough

Sauk County, Wis— Public Health Sauk County would like to remind people of the seriousness of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. There has recently been an increase in whooping cough cases throughout the county.

This illness is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing that can make it hard to breathe. After coughing, someone with whooping cough may need to take deep breaths, which results in a “whooping” sound. Other symptoms of whooping cough include a runny nose, low-grade fever, and vomiting. The illness spreads from person to person through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.

“If you have these symptoms, we recommend you avoid public spaces, such as school, daycare, and work, and see your health care provider,” says Nurse Manager Jessie Phalen.

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from this illness is to get vaccinated. People should also keep babies and other high-risk people away from infected people and practice good hygiene. It can affect people of all ages and can be very serious, even deadly, in infants and young children. Others at risk of becoming seriously ill from whooping cough are those who are not vaccinated or up to date on their DTaP or Tdap vaccine.

For more information on the whooping cough vaccine, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/dtap-tdap-td/public/. To learn more about what immunizations are recommended based on age, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html. You can access the Wisconsin Immunization Registry online to look up your own immunization record. If you are a parent or legal guardian, you also can look up your children’s records. Visit https://www.dhfswir.org/PR/clientSearch.do?language=en to find your vaccine record.

Public Health Sauk County offers routine immunizations by appointment only. Call 608-355-3290 to set up your appointment. A parent or guardian’s written consent is required for all children under 18 years.

Eligibility: Vaccines are free for children 18 and under without health insurance or vaccine coverage; individuals who are Medicaid eligible, uninsured, or underinsured; and for American Indians or Alaska Natives. Adult vaccines are available to anyone 18+ without health insurance. A fee for each vaccine may be charged. Fees are subject to change at any time per the Health Resources Committee. 

About Public Health Sauk County

Public Health Sauk County supports the well-being of all people in our community. Through wellness programs, environmental health initiatives, and a focus on creating systemic change, we cultivate healthier places and people so Sauk County can thrive. For more information on our programs and services, visit https://www.co.sauk.wi.us/publichealth.

Date posted: May 22, 2024

Contact: Jessie Phalen, Nurse Manager
Public Health Sauk County
(608) 355-3290
Jessie.phalen@saukcountywi.gov

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