New cases of ‘Whooping ‘ cough/Pertussis infections are on the rise in the US. The CDC reports 48,000 new Pertussis infections in 2012, the highest number since 1955. Pertussis infections can result in serious illness, especially for the newborn, where the condition can be life-threatening.
The CDC and ACOG recommend the Tdap vaccine (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) in pregnancy. The vaccine is considered safe in all trimesters of pregnancy, though recommended at 27-36 weeks gestation. Receiving the vaccine during pregnancy improves the chances of your baby receiving ‘passive’ immunity from the infection. If the vaccine was not received during the pregnancy, vaccination in the immediate postpartum time period is the next recommendation. Close contact and the baby’s caregivers should also be vaccinated. Pregnant women should be re-vaccinated with each pregnancy.
https://www.acog.org/About_ACOG/ACOG_Departments/Immunization/~/media/Departments/Immunization/Tdap%20Vaccine%20Mailing/Tear%20pad%20FAQTDAP.pdf
Tags:
Dr. Suzanne Hall,
@drsuzyyhall,
Eastside Gynecology Obstetrics,
Grosse Pointe,
Macomb,
MI,
Roseville,
Rochester,
pertussis,
vaccine,
tdap,
pregnany,
recommendations,
whooping cough,
newborn,
baby,
infant,
prevention
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