Cocooning Program

Renown Children's Hospital was the first hospital in the United States to launch a pertussis (Tdap) program. Known as the "Cocooning Project," it provides an opportunity for a family to actively participate in immunizations and help with protecting babies from vaccine preventable diseases.

Studies show newborns most often contract the disease from parents, grandparents and siblings. This serious, infectious cough and illness remains a serious health concern in the United States and our community.

The Cocooning Program is the result of a collaborative effort involving the Nevada Health Division, sanofi-pasteur (the vaccine manufacturer), Washoe County District Health Department and Renown Children's Hospital. The vaccine is offered free of charge to all families whose babies are born at Renown Regional Medical Center. In addition, it is offered to the family of any child under the age of one who is admitted to the hospital.        

Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, is the only disease that appears to be rising in routinely vaccinated children and the disease can have serious consequences in newborns and those under the age of one, including pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and even death.

Renown Health Cocooning Project Video
Renown Children's Hospital is the first hospital in the United States to launch a pertussis (Tdap) program. The Cocooning Program has been gaining popularity as health departments and hospitals all over the nation are inquiring about developing their own programs. Click here to watch.

Additional Resource:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tel: (404)639-3534
Tel: (800)311-3435
Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/