NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — In clinics across the state, Sanford Health is administering COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines for eligible patients.

In addition to those vaccines, the healthcare system encourages people to make sure they are up to date on their pertussis vaccine (whooping cough).

Whooping Cough

Kids should get their first dose of pertussis vaccine (DTaP) at two months old and should have all five doses before they turn six. Preteens should get another dose of pertussis vaccine (Tdap) between 11 and 12. Then adults should have an updated DTaP vaccine every 10 years. Pregnant women should have a dose around 20 weeks to protect the baby.

If someone believes they or a loved one has whooping cough, they should visit one of Sanford’s urgent care clinics or make an appointment with their primary care provider.

COVID-19/Influenza

Both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are available for those six months and older, especially for those who have a higher risk of complications.

Protection decreases over time, so it’s important for people to stay up to date with annual vaccinations.

RSV

RSV vaccines are available for adults 75 and older, or those 60-74 with chronic underlying health conditions like heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, or living in skilled nursing or long-term care facilities.

While the RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine, it is recommended for adults who did not get one last year. In addition, pregnant women in their third trimester should get a single dose between 32-36 weeks and between September and January.

Babies born during RSV season should get a single dose within one week after birth if the mother was not vaccinated during the third trimester.

Patients can get vaccines at their primary care clinic or by making an appointment .

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