The Effingham County Health Department is currently offering Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) vaccine at no charge.

The limited amount of no-cost vaccine will be given at the health department located on 802 Highway 119 South in Springfield on a walk-in basis from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, through January. Tdap vaccine will be available after January at regular cost. The Tdap vaccine is recommended for adolescents ages 11-19 and adults.

The Tdap vaccine protects against Tetanus (commonly known as Lockjaw) which causes painful muscle spasms and can lead to tightening of the jaw muscles so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow; Diphtheria which causes a thick covering in the back of the throat and can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death; and Pertussis (commonly known as Whooping Cough) which causes severe coughing spells, vomiting, and disturbed sleep and can lead to weight loss, incontinence, rib fractures and passing out from violent coughing.

Because infants cannot be vaccinated against pertussis, it’s important for those who are in close contact with children under the age of 12 months to get vaccinated.

“This is a chance for us to offer a very beneficial vaccine at no cost to our residents,” said Effingham County Health Department Nurse Manager, Cindy Grovenstein, R.N. “We hope that the citizens of Effingham County will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”

For more information, call the Effingham County Health Department at 754-6484.