Keeping Vaccinations Up to Date

Pertusis or better known as the whooping cough, is on the rise in the United States. But did you know that parents are the main carriers of the disease?

Meghan Bench will do anything to keep her five children healthy. Especially when it comes to vaccinations.

“My kids have stayed very healthy and I think it’s the immunizations that the immunizations are why they’ve stayed so healthy.” said Bench.

And because of it, Meghan’s children received free Chukars tickets to this Friday’s game from the Eastern Idaho Public Health District. But what Meghan didn’t know is that she also needs to keep up to date on her vaccinations as well.

“Not only can kids pass it along but parents can too.” said Dr. Corbett.

Corbett with the Eastern Idaho Public Health district said it is trying to get people to stay up to date with their vaccinations.

“People think that immunizations or disease are a thing in the past. But they’re not it’s because of immunizations.” said Dr. Corbett.

It’s reached epidemic levels in Washington. Across the counties more than 18,000 cases have been reported — double the number from 2011. Whooping cough has caused nine deaths including an infant from Pocatello in May.

So Bench decided in order to keep her family and others around her safe to get the shot today.

“From a mother of five we think that it pay off. I think it’s a good thing and my kids are healthy.” said Bench.

And if your kids are all up to date on their vaccinations, go to the Eastern Idaho Public Health District to get your child free tickets to the Chukars game this Friday.