News

A pertussis epidemic has been declared in California. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is urging prenatal care providers to immunize ALL pregnant women between 27 and 36 weeks gestation with Tdap during EACH pregnancy, regardless of the number of doses of Tdap previously received. Additionally, infants should be immunized without delay.

Recommendation to Providers:

Vaccinate your adult patients, pregnant women and pediatric patients per the Advisory Committee Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations.

Pregnant Patients

• Between 27-36 weeks during each pregnancy, regardless of the number of doses of Tdap previously received

Pediatric Patients

• First dose at 2 months of age or as early as 6 weeks of age
• 5 doses of DTap for children between 4-6 years
• Tdap booster for adolescents at age 11-12 years

Adults

• Adults who haven't received Tdap before or adults in contact with infants

To learn more about the current state of pertussis in California and the steps you can take to support pertussis vaccination, please read the letter from Dr. Ron Chapman, MD, MPH, CDPH Director and State Health Officer here: CDPH Notice.

Thank you for your support in protecting the health of our members. SCFHP recognizes the value of working in partnership with our providers and we know that with your collaboration we can help prevent pertussis hospitalizations and deaths in our community.

If you have any further questions, please contact our Provider Services Department at 1-408-874-1788 or email providerservices@scfhp.com.