May 14, 2012
To All Alpha-1 Association National Conference Attendees:
The state of Washington's Secretary of Health Mary Selecky declared a
statewide pertussis (whooping cough) epidemic in the state of Washington.
Whooping cough spreads easily by coughing and sneezing. Pertussis is of greatest threat to children; however, it can seriously affect adults as well. Please visit the website for more information:
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Pertussis/
"It is recommended that everyone attending the Alpha-1 Association's National Education Conference being held in Bellevue, WA June 8-10, 2012 get the vaccine or booster vaccine as appropriate for their age at least two weeks prior to traveling."
In addition, according to Michael Krowka, MD, Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, "Alphas should take extra precaution. It is recommended that individuals with lung disease coming to the conference receive the following:
- A Tdap booster if they have not already had one
- The Influenza vaccine - this year's vaccine if not already received (flu outbreaks tend to start early in that area due to cruise ships)
- Pneumococcal vaccine if not already received."
The vaccine or booster vaccine should be available from your physician or your local health department. Please do this not only for your health protection and benefit, but also for the health protection and benefit of everyone attending the conference. We suggest that you talk with your health care provider about what is best for your specific situation.
Please forward this to anyone you know who may be attending the conference.
Sincerely,
Marlene Erven
Executive Director
