The Chautauqua County Health Department will host a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) vaccination clinic at the Jamestown and Dunkirk clinic locations from 1 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
The Jamestown clinic is at 110 E. Fourth St. The Dunkirk clinic is at 319 Central Ave., Dunkirk.
The pertussis vaccine is routinely given to children at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age, and then between 4 and 6 years of age. Since immunity can fade over time, periodic "booster" doses are needed by adolescents and adults to keep immunity strong. Parents with children less than 7 years of age who have not been completely immunized against pertussis, particularly infants under one year, should talk to their child's doctor about the benefits of vaccination. Students entering the sixth grade in New York state are required to receive one booster dose of pertussis.
The following adult groups get a single dose of Tdap vaccination regardless of how long it's been since you received a tetanus only vaccine:
Adults of any age, including adults age 65 years and older, in contact with infants younger than age 12 months, including parents, grandparents and child care providers, who have not received a dose of Tdap.
Pregnant women, preferably after 20 weeks gestation.
Health care personnel of all ages.
The Health Department is encouraging appointments, though walk-ins will be seen. To make an appointment or for more information, call 866-604-6789.