8/3/2018:

The Alabama Department of Public Health has identified an outbreak of pertussis (commonly called “whooping cough”) in Jefferson and Shelby Counties. Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection. It can be particularly dangerous to infants and children, for whom it can become serious enough to warrant hospitalization, and in rare cases result in death. Pertussis usually causes a prolonged coughing illness, often with a characteristic “whoop” sound in children.

Most children in the United States are immunized, and pertussis immunization is a requirement for students enrolled in UAB campus classes.  We encourage all students and members of the campus community to review their immunization records with their health care provider to ensure they are up to date on their pertussis immunization.

Adequate immunization against pertussis generally consists of 5 doses of pediatric vaccine (DTaP), as well as a Tdap booster shot in adolescents and adults. The most up to date CDC recommendation on pertussis immunization can be found here. More information on pertussis can be found via the Alabama Department of Public Health here.