Coming Events and Immunization Update, Part II
Blood Donation
The Winter Blood Drive will be on Sunday, December 11 from 8:30 – 2:30 in the OCUUC parking lot. This is a particularly tough time of year on the nation’s blood supply. We have members of our own congregation needing frequent transfusions. Please donate if you can. Appointments are very helpful, but walk-ins are always welcome! Sign Up at the Caring Table or online.
Blood Pressure Screening
December 11 will also be an opportunity for you to have your BP checked whether or not you are donating blood! During the Arts and Crafts Fair, Sally Cowan, RN, will be providing this service at the Caring Table, where Adair’s Heart Healthy Holiday Trail Mix will also be on sale!
Whooping Cough Vaccine
Pertussis, better known as Whooping Cough, has seen a dramatic resurgence in recent years. Although it is rarely life threatening to adults, it is not a minor illness. We are susceptible since our childhood immunity has worn off long ago and when adults do get it, they can pass it to babies and unimmunized children where it is a very serious illness. Now there is an effective new killed vaccine with no mercury preservative. Side effects are very unlikely, except for some tenderness at the injection site. The vaccine is a three-in-one: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.
You can get this from your health care provider or, if you have no insurance, the health department. Call them at 1-800-564-8448 for an appointment for: children, women of childbearing age (pregnant or not), any adult who cares for children or comes into contact with them regularly, and all over 64.
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