The El Dorado County Health Services Department, Public Health Division in South Lake Tahoe is offering the booster vaccine which protects against pertussis (whooping cough) at low cost during next week’s Tuesday farmers’ market.

The vaccine will be available at the Health Department’s booth at the market at the American Legion Hall on 2732 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe on Aug. 31 from 8am-1pm.

Individuals may also schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine at the Health Department clinic by calling (530) 573.3155. The cost for the vaccine is $10.

The booster pertussis vaccine, called Tdap, is given in one dose and is recommended for anyone over the age of 7 who has not previously received the vaccine or who is not fully immunized. Childcare providers, women of childbearing age, pregnant women and people who have contact with pregnant women and infants are also encouraged to be vaccinated against pertussis. Parents who wish to have their child immunized must bring their child’s immunization record. Tdap is a combination vaccine which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

El Dorado County health officials continue to see a record number of pertussis cases in the community, with 38 cases reported so far this year, compared to three last year. California has had eight deaths due to pertussis since the beginning of this year, all among young children who were primarily infected through an adult. Pertussis is a contagious respiratory infection that can lead to severe coughing fits and be fatal to babies. Symptoms of pertussis typically start with a cough and runny nose for one to two weeks, followed by weeks to months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a whooping sound. Fever is rare.