“I’m feeling really unsure,” said a pregnant friend. “I’ve heard so many different opinions about whether I should get the whooping cough vaccine now or wait until after I have the baby. Maybe I should just hold off?” As someone who chats with expectant moms about vaccines, it’s disheartening to see that many women aren’t getting clear guidance on the importance of getting vaccinated against pertussis during pregnancy. How can expectant parents make informed choices when the information is so mixed?
When it comes to keeping children safe from illness, a parent’s responsibility begins long before their baby arrives and lasts for years. Expecting parents often look into everything from baby gear to potential hazards, but they should also be aware of preventable diseases like pertussis, which has been making headlines again.
Pertussis, often referred to as whooping cough, is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It spreads easily through the air via droplets from coughing or sneezing. Many people today might not recall pertussis being a threat in their childhood, but in the early 1900s, it was a serious concern—one in ten children who contracted it died. When reporting began in 1922, the U.S. saw over 100,000 cases annually.
The introduction of the pertussis vaccine in the late 1940s transformed child health, drastically reducing the number of cases and deaths. By the 1970s, effective vaccination campaigns brought annual cases down to around 1,000. However, over the last two decades, we’ve seen a troubling rise in pertussis cases again. In 2012, the U.S. experienced a record-high 48,000 reported cases. Experts are trying to pinpoint whether this surge is due to lower vaccination rates or other factors.
Today, there are two types of pertussis vaccines: DTaP, which is given to infants and children in five doses, and Tdap, which serves as a booster for adults and pregnant women. Both vaccines are inactive, meaning there’s no risk of contracting pertussis from them. Modern vaccines are acellular and have fewer side effects compared to earlier versions.
The best way to protect infants and children from pertussis is through timely vaccination for everyone, including adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that all pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine during their third trimester, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks. Research shows that when mothers get vaccinated at this stage, their newborns gain some immunity, which lasts for about two months after birth. Since newborns are especially vulnerable to pertussis, vaccination is essential.
A notable study published recently involved 48 pregnant women who received either the Tdap vaccine or a placebo. The findings showed no adverse effects from the vaccine for either moms or babies during pregnancy, and it didn’t hinder the infants’ responses to their later DTaP vaccinations.
As August is National Immunization Awareness Month, it’s a great reminder for all of us to learn more about the significance of vaccinations. The information available so far indicates that Tdap and other vaccines, like the flu shot, are safe for both mothers and babies. Ongoing studies aim to further clarify the effects of Tdap during pregnancy. For those interested, this is one of our other blog posts that provides guidance on traveling while breastfeeding and pumping, which can be helpful for new parents.
To sum it up, getting vaccinated against pertussis during pregnancy is akin to ensuring your kids’ safety around a pool—it’s about protecting not just your own child but also those around them. So when it comes to discussing your vaccination options, don’t hesitate to ask questions and gather information. For more insights on home insemination, check out this at home insemination kit that can be beneficial for parents-to-be. If you’re looking for authoritative resources, this page on in vitro fertilisation is a great place to start.
Summary
The pertussis vaccine, recommended for pregnant women in their third trimester, is crucial for protecting newborns from whooping cough. Vaccination helps provide immunity to infants who are particularly vulnerable to this disease, and studies have shown no adverse effects on mothers or babies. As awareness of vaccination benefits grows, expectant parents are encouraged to seek accurate information to make informed health choices.