SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – In 2012, more than 48,000 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) were reported in the United States; it was the largest U.S. outbreak since 1955 when more than 62,000 cases were reported. In 2013, the number of whooping cough cases rose locally, too. There were 35 confirmed cases in the Nebraska panhandle, including 17 cases in Scotts Bluff County.

This preventable disease starts like a common cold, but symptoms worse–causing violent and rapid coughing, over and over, until the air is gone from the lungs. It is particularly dangerous to infants and young children. Whooping cough fits can last up to 10 weeks, which is why it is sometimes known as the “100 day cough.”

Luckily, babies can be protected from whooping cough and other life-threatening disease through infant immunization.

April 26 to May 3 is National Infant Immunization Week. Sandy Preston, RN, of Regional West Community Health and members of the Panhandle Immunization Coalition are marking the occasion by advising parents of the importance of getting infants immunized and keeping childhood immunizations up to date.

“Giving babies the recommended immunizations by age two is the best way to protect them from 14 serious childhood diseases, including whooping cough and measles,” said Preston. “Vaccine-preventable diseases still circulate in the United States and around the world, so continued vaccination is necessary to protect everyone from potential outbreaks.”

Immunization is extremely safe. Vaccines are thoroughly tested before being approved for public use and monitored carefully by doctors, researchers and public health officials. Reported links between autism and childhood vaccinations have been disproved.

Preston tells parents that their families will also benefit financially by keeping childhood immunizations up to date.

“By preventing disease, vaccines also reduce the costs associated with missed time from work, doctor visits, and hospitalizations,” she said.

Regional West Community Health offers immunizations for newborns through 18-year-olds at regular Immunization clinics. The clinics are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 3 to 7 p.m. and on the second and fourth Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call 308-630-1126 for an appointment. No child will be turned away due to inability to pay. Vaccinations are also available from local health care providers.

Regional West Health Services is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.