Time: 2024-08-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) started recommending the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy in 2012 to protect infants from Whooping cough . Medical professionals , including doctors and midwives , agree that this vaccination is crucial for the safety of both mothers and babies . Various medical associations , such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , support this recommendation.
Getting the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy is essential because whooping cough can be life - threatening for babies . Babies do not develop their own protection against the disease until they receive the vaccine at two months old , leaving them vulnerable in the early months of life . After receiving the Tdap vaccine , pregnant individuals pass protective antibodies to their babies , providing them with some defense against whooping cough.
In England , more than 10,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in the first half of 2024 , with an alarming number of cases in June alone . This marks a significant increase compared to previous years . The data revealed that adults and babies under three months old are at the highest risk of contracting the infection . The Bordetella pertussis bacteria causes whooping cough , characterized by severe coughing fits and gasping for breath.
Vaccination rates for whooping cough have been declining since 2018/2019 , falling below the target rate of 95 % among children aged two years . In response to the surge in cases , health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination for Pregnant women and infants to prevent the spread of the disease . Pregnant women are advised to receive the vaccine between 20 and 32 weeks to protect their newborns.
The Tdap vaccine is considered safe for pregnant women and their babies , with minimal side effects that typically resolve on their own . Studies have shown that Tdap vaccination during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of infants contracting whooping cough . The vaccine is effective in preventing serious infections and hospitalizations among newborns whose mothers received the vaccine.
It is crucial for healthcare providers to discuss the importance of vaccination with pregnant women to ensure the safety and well - being of both mothers and babies . By following vaccination recommendations , individuals can contribute to reducing the spread of whooping cough and protecting vulnerable populations from this potentially life - threatening disease.
Business
