Immunization Matters – Tdap (with Whooping Cough Booster)

Tdap :  Tetanus- diptheria- pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine

 All adolescents and adults need a onetime dose of Tdap containing pertussis (whooping cough) protection. Here’s why…

An old enemy is back: Pertussis. Pertussis is the scientific name for Whooping Cough.
Over the last ten years, there’s been a surge in whooping cough deaths in infants.

2012 was one of the worst years since 1955. Babies under 3 months old were hit hardest.
They’re the most vulnerable — which is why it is vitally important to start protecting babies before they’re born.  And we can.

More than 80% of the time, the main infection sources are household members, whose childhood vaccinations have worn off.  Tdap booster is a tetanus and diphtheria shot that also protects against pertussis. Getting that booster is now a family affair.  It’s recommended for all adolescents and all adults. Even Grandma and Grandpa should roll up their sleeves.

The newest recommendation: give Tdap booster to moms during each and every pregnancy, even if she was previously vaccinated. Every expecting mother should have a Tdap booster in her third trimester, at 27 to 36 weeks. This ensures high antibody levels for Mom, which are passed on to baby, protecting baby during those especially vulnerable first few months of life.

Everybody who’s going to be around a baby needs a booster. And so does everybody else. Don’t wait.