Walgreens offers pertussis immunizations in select Calif. stores

DEERFIELD, Ill. In response to the outbreak of pertussis, or "whooping cough," in California, one drug store chain is offering pertussis vaccinations to its customers at more than 150 select stores throughout the state.

Walgreens said that its pharmacists in California can administer pertussis immunizations (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis-Tdap vaccine) to anyone age 9 years or older with no appointment necessary. Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and from the California Department of Public Health have recommended that Californians get vaccinated to prevent the spread of pertussis, which is said to be the worst epidemic the state has seen in the past 50 years.

“We share in the recommendations of state and federal health officials that the best thing people can do to keep themselves and their families healthy during this epidemic is to get vaccinated,” said Bill Hose, California market VP for Walgreens. “In addition to children, who are the most vulnerable, those who care for or are in contact with children should also be immunized, and we’re continuing to stress these important statewide recommendations to our patients, customers and the general public.”