A sixth infant has fallen victim to this year’s whooping cough epidemic in California. The baby was the third to die of the disease this year in Los Angeles County, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.

Through July 13 of this year, 1,496 cases of pertussis were reported in the state. On Monday, the California Department of Public Health strengthened its recommendations about who should be vaccinated against pertussis with Tdap, the booster shot. 

The list now includes anyone over seven years old who is not fully immunized, including seniors. Women of childbearing age should receive the vaccine before, during or just after pregnancy, as well as others who have contact with pregnant women or infants.

“Considering that immunity from pertussis vaccine or disease wears off and that most adults are susceptible to pertussis, now is the time for Californians to get immunized to protect themselves and their families,” said Dr. Gilberto Chávez, the state’s epidemiologist in a statement. “In particular, all family members and caregivers of infants should get the booster vaccine.”  

In response to the epidemic, a number of local health departments have offered free vaccination. Contra Costa Health Services will be giving free Tdap at Concord's Thursday Music and Market from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 22 at Todos Santos Plaza located on Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets.