Ocean County Health Department Offers Tdap Vaccine

In response to the elevated number of cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, in Ocean County, the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) has set up Tdap vaccination clinics at both the OCHD’s main site at 175 Sunset Avenue, Toms River, and Southern site at 333 Haywood Road, Manahawkin, in the Stafford Business Park right off of exit 63 on the Garden State Parkway South.  Even if patients have received a tetanus shot within the past ten years, he/ she may still receive the Tdap vaccine.  The cost of the vaccination is $20.00 but may be free to those who qualify.

Clinic hours and locations are as follows:

·       Tuesday, April 3:        1pm – 4pm        OCHD Toms River site, Area B

·       Monday, April 9:        1pm – 4pm        Stafford OCHD Southern Clinic Site

·       Wednesday, April 11: 9am – 12pm      OCHD Toms River site, Area B

·       Tuesday, April 17:      1pm – 4pm        Stafford OCHD Southern Clinic Site

·       Monday, April 23:      4pm – 7pm        OCHD Toms River site, Area B

·       Thursday, April 26:     4pm – 6:30pm   Stafford OCHD Southern Clinic Site

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the following for adults regarding the Tdap vaccine:

·       All adults, including those over the age of 65, should receive a Td (tetanus/diphtheria) booster every 10 years.  Adults under the age of 65, who have never received a Tdap, should receive this for their next booster dose.

·       All adults, including those over the age of 65, who have or who anticipate having close contact with an infant less than 12 months of age and who have not received the Tdap booster vaccine, should receive a single dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis and reduce the likelihood of transmission.

·       Adults over the age of 65 may also receive one dose of Tdap instead of Td if they have not previously received this vaccine.

·       Any adult who wants to be protected from pertussis should receive this booster.

·       New mothers who have never received a Tdap vaccine should get a dose as soon as possible after delivery.

There are additional hours available for Tdap vaccination at the Lakewood WIC Office at 1771 Madison Avenue.  Call 732-341-9700, ext. 7515 or visit the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org for Lakewood clinic hours