KENTUCKY (WSAZ) – With back-to-school time just around the corner, health officials are sounding the alarm about one illness common with children.
Health officials in Kentucky say a recent increase in whooping cough cases hasn’t been this bad for several years. They have reported at least 130 confirmed cases of whooping cough so far this year.
They say the numbers show an elevated rate of infection not seen since 2016 and 2017 in the Bluegrass State.
At least eight of those cases have resulted in hospitalizations — four infants, one school-aged child, and three adults. Yet health officials say the majority of cases involve school-aged children.
The Kentucky Association of Health Plans and Kentucky Voices for Health say they are partnering for the next three years to increase immunization rates and to educate families to create community immunity.
Tom Stephens, president of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans, said, “The Kentucky Association of Health Plans is deeply committed to improving vaccine access and uptake across the commonwealth. We have worked extensively with Jefferson County Public Schools and other districts to enhance vaccination rates. This is a responsibility that Kentucky’s Medicaid managed care plans make a top priority. We are working closely with health care providers, schools, and community organizations to ensure that every child has the opportunity to receive life-saving vaccinations.”
They say their partnership will focus on keeping kids health care covered as Medicaid renewals resume. They say they’re also hoping to increase access to immunizations for school-aged children to stop the spread of whooping cough.
Families can find and connect with a free immunizations provider through the Vaccines for Children program.
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