We often hear about the immunizations that young children need, but adults need immunizations periodically to prevent serious illness, as well.

In 2007 there were 253 cases of pertussis diagnosed in Colorado--53 of the cases were in El Paso County.

Pertussis can be very serious in babies because an infant’s windpipe is much smaller than that of an older child, babies are much more likely than adults to die from pertussis.

Jackie Vialpando, a public health nurse with the El Paso County Health Department says adults between the ages of 19 and 64 should talk to their physician about receiving the Tdap immunization – which is the shot for tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria—even if they had a shot against some of these serious illnesses before in their lives.

Tdap is the first vaccine to protect teenagers and adults against pertussis. Pertussis is common, accounting for as many as 10 percent of cough illnesses lasting at least one week. Almost all teenagers and adults infected with pertussis will cough for at least three weeks and about half will cough for at least nine weeks. That means a lot of lost work or school time and suffering in the process.

Unless you have had a Tdap shot—it’s only been available for three years—you should get a Tdap shot, especially if you are a health care worker or are in close contact with infants.

Vialpando says, "It is critical that adults are immunized in order to protect infants —who may not yet be fully immunized."

Pertussis – also known as whooping cough--has become more prevalent in the United States in the last 20 years, especially among adolescents and adults.

Childhood vaccination against pertussis provides only five to ten years of immunity, and antibiotics do little to affect the symptoms of pertussis once coughing begins.

There are plenty of resources to get your vaccinations, including:

1) Your health care provider

2) Physician Referral: Memorial Hospital (719) 444-CARE

3) Penrose St. Francis Ask-a-Nurse (719) 776-5555

4) Become a member of Peak Vista Community Health Centers (719) 623-5700

5) El Paso County Department of Health and Environment (719) 578-3237, you can also click on the link below to check out the health department's website.

6) For health and human services information and referrals: dial 2-1-1 or (866) 488-9742 (toll free)

Be sure to tune in every week on KKTV 11 News at 4 p.m. for Health Department Tuesday.