Independence ARRA Project News and Updates
The City of Independence Health Department has received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding in the amount of $10,667 through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The funding is being provided to promote the use of Tdap vaccine among postpartum women and parents of newborns.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, has reemerged in adolescents and adults due to the waning immunity of childhood vaccines. This increase in pertussis infection increases the risk of transmission to susceptible populations, particularly infants that are too young to receive their complete series of vaccinations. Pertussis in infants can lead to severe complications, increased hospitalizations, and death. The pertussis booster, Tdap, is recommended for use on adolescents and adults to prevent pertussis and extend immunity, especially for those in contact with infants.
This funding will allow the health department to increase vaccination rates through education and outreach activities and strengthen relationships with other healthcare providers and agencies to ensure this population is reached. The health department will partner with the local hospital, obstetric/gynecology providers, clinics, and various other agencies to ensure Tdap education is available to new parents and prospective parents, as well as healthcare providers in Independence. Education will be provided through the use of brochures/posters, parent education classes, and healthcare provider training sessions.