Urbandale Walgreens Offer Vaccines as School Approaches

Pertussis and meningitis vaccines are currently available at your local neighborhood .

Pharmacist Thomas Fosnaugh said that despite a rise in the cases of pertussis -- otherwise known as whooping cough -- across the United States, demand for the vaccine has not increased by much in Iowa.

"Typically, (the vaccines) are offered as long as we have them," Fosnaugh said.

According to a new Iowa law, only those 18 and older can receive a pertussis or meningitis vaccine at a Walgreens store. Those younger would need to see their doctor or pediatrician.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease, according to the Center for Disease Control. It is characterized by "uncontrollable, violent coughing" that makes it hard to breathe.

Although pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children, an outbreak this year has affected nearly 18,000 people, according to the Sioux City Journal.

Fosnaugh said that most children receive pertussis as part of their regular immunizations.