Thanks to a program through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Center for Disease Control, Callaway County parents will be better able to prevent their infants and children from contracting whooping cough (pertussis).
The Callaway County Health Department has scheduled a series of free pertussis vaccine clinics throughout the county after receiving free vaccines from the state.
The pertussis vaccine - usually $40 per shot - will be available free of charge July 1 at the Holts Summit Civic Center, July 12 at Auxvasse Elementary School and July 17 at the health department. All three clinics will be conducted 3-7 p.m.
"Right now it's not limited. We've already ordered 2,000 doses, and we have the opportunity to get more," CCHD Director Sharon Lynch said. "If we have additional vaccines (after the three clinics) we're going to try to go out to some of the smaller communities in the county."
Lynch said this particular TDAP/pertussis vaccine is mostly for whooping cough, but also immunizes against tetanus and dyptheria. She said she is excited about being able to offer the shot to area residents.
"It's a great opportunity for us. It's usually so expensive, so it's just great to be able to do something like this for free," Lynch said.