Should You Get The Whooping Cough Vaccine In Pregnancy
If youre pregnant, getting the whooping cough vaccine will help protect you and your unborn baby from the disease.
Although babies can be vaccinated against whooping cough, they typically get their first vaccine when theyre 2 months old. That leaves them vulnerable to infection in the first months of life.
Whooping cough can be very dangerous for young babies, and in some cases even fatal.
To help protect young infants from whooping cough, the CDC advises pregnant adults to get the Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of pregnancy.
The vaccine will cause your body to produce protective antibodies to help fight off whooping cough. If youre pregnant, your body will pass these antibodies on to the fetus in your womb. This will help protect the baby, after theyre born.
Studies have found that the whooping cough vaccine is safe for pregnant people and fetuses, according to the
CDC recommends the following vaccination schedule for whooping cough:
- Infants and children: Receive a shot of DTaP at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years.
- Adolescents: Receive a shot of Tdap between the ages of 11 and 12 years.
- Adults: Receive a shot of Tdap once every 10 years.
If youve never received the DTaP or Tdap vaccine, dont wait 10 years to get it. You can get the vaccine at any time, even if youve recently been vaccinated against tetanus and diphtheria.
The Tdap vaccine is also recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy.
- chills
- rash
Caring For Whooping Cough At Home
Mild cases of whooping cough can be treated at home. Stay at home and away from people who are not in your family/whnau bubble for 3 weeks. This is to stop the infection spreading. If you are taking antibiotics, this isolation time goes down to 5 days from the day the antibiotics were started.
Make sure you and your child get as much rest as you can. Caring for your child with whooping cough is hard work, and the cough is often worse at night. Encourage small healthy meals and plenty of fluids.
If the cough is painful you can use paracetamol for pain relief. Make sure you follow directions and measure children’s doses accurately. Never give more than the recommended dose. If unsure, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.
I Got The Whooping Cough Vaccine As A Child Do I Still Need To Get Vaccinated Again As An Adult
Protection against whooping cough from early childhood vaccines may wear off. That puts adults and adolescents at risk for infection. Thats why its important to receive booster vaccinations to ensure continued immunity from infection.
Adults often have much milder symptoms of whooping cough. But its often the older siblings, parents, and grandparents who transmit whooping cough to babies. It can have lethal consequences.
Its important to follow the CDCs recommended vaccine schedule to ensure the best protection against whooping cough.
Children should receive 5 consecutive doses of the DTaP vaccine at:
- 2 months
- 15 to 18 months
- 4 to 6 years old
Adults whove never been vaccinated should receive one dose of the Tdap vaccine immediately. All adults should get a Tdap shot every 10 years.
Unfortunately, whooping cough is still very common, and the prevalence is growing in developing countries. Its very contagious and is easily transmitted. Whooping cough is difficult to identify and treat because it can be confused with the common cold.
For these reasons, its critical for people of all ages to maintain immunity by getting vaccinated.
Yes. Getting sick and recovering from whooping cough doesnt provide lifelong protection. That means you can still get whooping cough and transmit it to others, including babies.
The vaccine significantly reduces your risk of acquiring or transmitting the infection.
Recommended Reading: Tdap Vaccine At Cvs
What Causes Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is passed on through close personal contact with someone who has whooping cough, sneezing and coughing.
The bacteria infect the lining of the airways, mainly the windpipe and the 2 airways that branch off from it to the lungs . There is a build-up of thick mucus. This mucus causes the intense bouts of coughing as the body tries to cough it up.
The bacteria also cause the airways to swell up, making them narrower than usual. As a result, breathing is made difficult, which causes the ‘whoop’ sound as the person gasps for breath after a bout of coughing.
How Do I Spot Whooping Cough In My Baby
Be alert to the signs and symptoms of whooping cough, which include severe coughing fits that may be accompanied by difficulty breathing or vomiting after coughing, and the characteristic “whoop” sound.
If you are worried your baby may have whooping cough, contact your doctor immediately.
Read more about whooping cough vaccination in the leaflet Whooping cough and pregnancy from Public Health England.
Recommended Reading: Where To Get Tdap Vaccine Cvs
What Is The Difference Between Tdap And Dtap
DTaP is a vaccine that is helping kids more youthful than age 7 broaden immunity to 3 deadly illnesses brought about via micro organism: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough . Tdap is a booster immunization given at age 11 that gives continued coverage from those sicknesses for children and adults.
Pertussis Vaccine And Overseas Travel
The travel consultation is an ideal opportunity to ensure that all have completed the routine UK immunisation schedule.
Travellers over the age of 10 years are not routinely offered pertussis vaccination, even those who have an incomplete vaccine history or have no record of having received a pertussis containing vaccine .
You May Like: Cost Of Shingles Vaccine At Cvs
The Manufacturer’s Leaflet Says There’s No Information On The Use Of Boostrix Ipv In Pregnancy Should It Be Used In Pregnancy
The licence for Boostrix IPV allows for its use in pregnancy when clearly needed, and when the possible benefits outweigh the possible risks.
It is standard practice with most medicines not to test them on pregnant women. This is why the manufacturer’s information leaflet includes this statement, and not because of any specific safety concerns or evidence of harm in pregnancy.
Whooping cough-containing vaccine has been used routinely in pregnant women in the UK since October 2012, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is carefully monitoring its safety. The MHRA’s study of around 20,000 women vaccinated with Repevax, the whooping cough vaccine previously offered to pregnant women, found no evidence of risks to pregnancy or pregnancy outcome.
Boostrix is one of the vaccines routinely recommended in the US for immunisation of pregnant women. There have been no reported safety concerns in the US with the use of the vaccine in pregnancy.
There is no evidence of risk to the pregnant woman or unborn child with inactivated vaccines like Boostrix IPV. An inactivated vaccine is one that does not contain “live” vaccine.
Read more about why vaccines are safe and important.
When Do I Need To Get This Vaccine And How Often
“We vaccinate our children against whooping cough, of course, and that has been successful. But we’ve learned that once people become young adults, the immunity wanes a little, so now outbreaks are happening in various places around the country. There is a relatively new vaccine that adds whooping cough to the familiar diphtheria and tetanus shot. Next time you get this shot, it will likely be Tdap, which stands for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. That will protect patients and help prevent them from transmitting the disease to others.”
You May Like: Tdap Vaccine Cvs Pharmacy
Dtap And Tdap Immunization Schedules
The first DTaP immunizations start when children are very young. DTaP shots for young children are typically given at:
- 6 weeks to 2 months
- 4 months
- 4 to 6 years
Thereafter, Tdap booster shots are given to ensure lasting protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
Adolescents are advised to get a booster Tdap shot at around 11 to 12 years. If they miss this, it is OK for them to get a Tdap between 13 and 18 years.
It is recommended that adults get a Tdap shot for one of their tetanus boosters. If you’re 65 and over, Tdap vaccination is also recommended.
How Is Whooping Cough Diagnosed
The doctor will first discuss the symptoms. They will confirm the diagnosis by taking a swab from the back of the nose or throat and often a blood test as well.
Some people may need a chest x-ray to see if they also have developed pneumonia.
Don’t Miss: Tdap Shot At Cvs
Are There Any Special Situations I Should Be Aware Of
Tetanus shots are for more than routine prevention. They can also help prevent infection when you get cut.
If your wound is minor and clean , youd only need a booster if its been more than 10 years since your last one. Either a Tdap or Td shot can be used.
For some injuries, such as puncture wounds or animal attacks, you may need a tetanus shot sooner. In these situations, a Tdap or Td vaccine is recommended if its been more than 5 years since your last booster.
What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of The Whooping Cough Vaccine
If your child misses one of the five doses of the whooping cough vaccine, speak with your healthcare provider. Your child may be able to get the vaccine at their next healthcare appointment.
Teenagers who miss the Tdap booster should get it at their next visit with a healthcare provider. Likewise, adults who have never gotten the pertussis vaccine or have missed a dose should get the Tdap shot at their next healthcare provider appointment.
Read Also: How Much Is The Tdap Vaccine At Cvs
Whooping Cough Vaccination In Pregnancy
Whooping cough rates have risen sharply in recent years and babies who are too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk.
Young babies with whooping cough are often very unwell and most will be admitted to hospital because of their illness. When whooping cough is particularly severe, they can die.
Pregnant women can help protect their babies by getting vaccinated ideally from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks pregnant. If for any reason you miss having the vaccine, you can still have it up until you go into labour.
Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis Vaccine
- This vaccine is offered to all students in Grade 9. This is a booster dose for children immunized against these diseases at a younger age.
- The Tdap vaccine can also be given to children 7 years of age and older who have not been fully immunized, and to adults or immigrants who have not been immunized or whose immunization history is unknown.
- People born in 1989 or later who missed their adolescent dose of Tdap are eligible for one free dose of this vaccine.
- A booster dose of the Tdap vaccine is recommended for adults who were immunized in childhood but is not provided for free in B.C.
- Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that all pregnant people get the pertussis vaccine in every pregnancy to help protect the baby after birth. Learn more about the Tdap vaccine and pregnancy in our pregnancy section.
Also Check: How Much Does Shingles Vaccine Cost At Cvs
What If Dtap Is Given As A Substitute Of Tdap
If Tdap is inadvertently administered as an alternative of pediatric DTaP to a child elderly < 7 years as any one of the most first three doses of the tetanus- diphtheria-pertussis vaccination sequence, the Tdap dose should not be counted as legitimate, and a alternative dose of pediatric DTaP should be administered.
So How Can I Protect My Baby
The only way you can help protect your baby from getting whooping cough in their first few weeks after birth is by having the whooping cough vaccination yourself while you are pregnant.
After vaccination, your body produces antibodies to protect against whooping cough. You will then pass some immunity to your unborn baby.
Also Check: Tdap Shots Cvs
Whooping Cough Vaccine Brands
The vaccines used in this program are Boostrix® or Adacel®. These vaccines contain a reduced antigen formulation for adults and adolescents combining diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis antigens.
The only absolute contraindication to these vaccines are a history of anaphylactic reaction to any of the vaccine components.
What Are The Tdap And Td Vaccines
Tdap and Td are shots given to protect you and others around you from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis . These are severe infections caused by bacteria. Tetanus bacteria are found in dirt, manure, and dust. The bacteria enter the body through open skin, such as puncture wounds and burns. Diphtheria and pertussis bacteria are spread from person to person.
Read Also: Does Cvs Do Tetanus Shots
Which Whooping Cough Vaccine Will I Be Given
As there is no whooping cough-only vaccine, the vaccine you’ll be given also protects against polio, diphtheria and tetanus. The vaccine is called Boostrix IPV.
Boostrix IPV is similar to the 4-in-1 vaccine the pre-school booster that’s routinely given to children before they start school.
You can read the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet for Boostrix IPV .
Who Should Not Get A Pertussis Vaccine
Some people may need to wait to get vaccines. If you or your child has a mild illness, such as a cold, you still may be able to get the vaccine. If you have a more severe illness, you may need to wait until you recover.
If you are not a good candidate for a pertussis vaccine, your healthcare provider will give you instructions and information about vaccination options. In general, people should talk to their healthcare provider if they have:
- Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder where your immune system attacks your nerves.
- History of serious allergic reactions to pertussis vaccines.
- History of severe pain, fever above 105 degrees Fahrenheit or swelling after a pertussis vaccine.
- Seizures or other nervous system diseases.
- Severe allergies to any vaccine ingredients.
Recommended Reading: Cvs Pharmacy Tdap Vaccine Cost
Does My Insurance Cover Tetanus Shots
As part of the Affordable Care Act , most commercial insurance plans fully cover vaccines. This is also true of certain Medicare plans and many state Medicaid programs. But you may have to go to certain locations or pharmacies to take advantage of this. Contact your insurance company for more details.
Without insurance, tetanus shot prices can vary. Some clinics and pharmacies also charge administration fees. This fee can range in price, depending on the location.
GoodRx can help you save on the cost of your vaccines, including tetanus shots.
Click or tap here for more resources on obtaining low- or no-cost vaccines.
* Prices were pulled on October 26, 2021.
What Are The Side Effects
Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than it is to get pertussis.
Many people have no side effects from these vaccines. For those that do, side effects are usually mild and last 1 to 2 days . Serious side effects are extremely rare.
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine because there is a very rare possibility, between one in 100,000 and one in a million, of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. Should this reaction occur, your health care provider is prepared to treat it. Emergency treatment includes administration of epinephrine and transfer by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. If symptoms develop after you leave the clinic, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
It is important to always report serious or unexpected reactions to your health care provider.
Read Also: Tdap At Cvs
Can You Continue To Get Covid After Vaccine
Most other people who get COVID-19 are unvaccinated. However, since vaccines are not 100% effective at fighting an infection, some other people who are fully vaccinated will nonetheless get COVID-19. An infection of an absolutely vaccinated person is referred to as a vaccine step forward infection.
Older Babies And Young Children
In older babies and young children, the illness has 3 stages:
The early stage
It starts with a runny nose and eyes, mild fever and sneezing just like a cold. This lasts 1 or 2 weeks.
The second stage
Next, there is an irritating cough. Over a week or two, the cough gets worse and your child will have bouts of coughing. They gasp for air between each bout of coughing. They get very red in the face. These spells last many minutes and they may vomit food or spit after the coughing. The cough often gets worse with swallowing or eating. It is very distressing for both parent and child.
The final stage
The final stage is the long recovery stage. The symptoms gradually get milder, but the cough continues for weeks.
Read Also: Cvs Pharmacy Tdap
Vaccine Recommendation For Pregnant Women
Following an increase in pertussis activity in England and Wales from October 2011 and into 2012, a national pertussis outbreak was declared. In September 2012, in response to the high number of infant cases and deaths, the Department of Health launched a pertussis vaccination programme for pregnant women .
The aim of the programme is to boost immunity in the mother during pregnancy to optimise transfer of antibodies from mother to unborn baby and thereby protect the infant from birth until they reach the age of routine immunisations . The programme has been shown to be highly effective and the risk of pertussis in babies born to mothers vaccinated at least one week before delivery was reduced by around 90 percent . Vaccine effectiveness against infant deaths after maternal vaccination was estimated at 95 percent .
In June 2019 the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended the maternal pertussis vaccination programme should continue as routine .
A pertussis-containing vaccine is recommended for pregnant women ideally between 20 weeks and 32 weeks gestation . Women may still be immunised after week 32 of pregnancy until delivery but this may not offer as high a level of passive protection to the baby .
A large UK study which considered the safety of maternal pertussis vaccination did not find any safety concerns .