More than 18,000 cases of pertussis have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control this year. The disease is also known as whooping cough, which is on the rise in many states, including Connecticut. Pertussis is particularly severe for infants, who are not fully protected against this terrible cough until they are one year old. You can protect the infant you care for by protecting yourself against pertussis. Quinnipiack Valley Health District is now offering the pertussis vaccine (in the form of Tdap-tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) to parents, grandparents, babysitters and other caregivers or contacts of newborns and infants 12 months and younger. If you are over age 18 and have never had a Tdap vaccine, (a combined booster immunization containing tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis protection) you are eligible to receive this vaccine. There is no charge for the vaccine. A $5 administration fee is requested. No one will be turned away for lack of ability to pay this fee. Immunization clinics are held every 4 to 6 weeks. Call QVHD at 203-248-4528 or visit www.qvhd.org for clinic dates and times.