Unless you’ve been out of the loop, you’re likely aware that cases of whooping cough (pertussis) are sharply increasing in the United States. While some attribute this rise to the anti-vaccine movement, research suggests that the effectiveness of the DTaP vaccine, which has been in use since the mid-1990s, may diminish sooner than expected—often before a child’s last booster at 4 to 6 years old.
Let’s face it: whooping cough is a serious illness, far from just another ailment that can toughen our immune systems. This is not merely a bothersome cough; according to the CDC, during the second phase of the illness, pertussis can result in intense coughing fits—often accompanied by the characteristic “whooping” sound—that can persist for over 10 weeks! These episodes can lead to vomiting and extreme fatigue.
The most severe cases of whooping cough tend to affect infants, particularly those under two months old, who have yet to receive their first DTaP vaccination. Annually, between 10,000 and 50,000 cases are reported, exposing a significant number of infants to potential infection. Tragically, about 10 to 20 infants die from whooping cough each year. A vivid reminder of the disease’s dangers is the story of little Mia, whose mother shared her heart-wrenching experience of hospitalization at just 6 weeks old due to whooping cough. She urged everyone to vaccinate their children—not only for their safety but to protect vulnerable infants like Mia.
Fortunately, pregnant mothers can take proactive steps to shield their babies from whooping cough. Since 2013, the CDC has recommended that all expectant women receive a Tdap booster during pregnancy, ideally between the 27th and 36th week. Administering the shot early in this window allows the mother’s body sufficient time to generate antibodies against the disease, which can then be transferred to the baby.
The CDC emphasizes that this booster should be administered during each pregnancy, regardless of how closely spaced they are. Initially, the recommendation was to receive the booster post-delivery to prevent the mother from transmitting the disease to the newborn. However, research now indicates that vaccinating during pregnancy offers more effective protection for the baby, especially since it takes several weeks to establish full immunity.
Given that infants will not receive their first DTaP shot until they are two months old and considering the current increase in whooping cough cases, it’s crucial for mothers to ensure their newborns have the best protection possible. If this doesn’t convince you of the CDC’s guidance, a study from the Kaiser Permanente Vaccine Study Center found that infants whose mothers received the Tdap booster during pregnancy were 91% less likely to contract pertussis during their first two months when they are most susceptible to the disease. Additionally, these babies were 69% less likely to contract whooping cough during their entire first year.
Dr. Sanders, one of the researchers at Kaiser, remarked, “Maternal Tdap administered during pregnancy was highly effective at protecting infants against pertussis prior to their first dose of DTaP. It is reassuring that at every level of DTaP exposure, children with maternal Tdap are better protected.”
I understand that the thought of vaccination during pregnancy might cause some discomfort. When I was expecting, this recommendation wasn’t in place, and I would have needed encouragement to see the benefits. However, knowing that this shot is proven to be safe, effective, and life-saving for infants would have alleviated my concerns. In fact, even though I’m not planning another pregnancy soon, I intend to consult my doctor about a Tdap booster for my own health and the well-being of the vulnerable newborns in our community.
If you haven’t yet discussed this with your healthcare provider, I highly recommend doing so. For further insights on this topic, check out our other post at Intracervical Insemination, and for more information on fertility, visit Make a Mom, an authority on this subject. Additionally, for a thorough overview of pregnancy and home insemination, you can explore this excellent resource at Womens Health.
In summary, pregnant mothers must prioritize receiving their whooping cough booster to safeguard their newborns against this serious illness. The CDC’s recommendation is grounded in research that underscores the shot’s effectiveness in protecting infants during their most vulnerable moments. By taking this proactive step, mothers can ensure a healthier future for their babies.