Whooping cough, or Pertussis, is a serious respiratory illness caused by Bordetella Pertussis bacteria. It is characterised by violent coughing fits that can make it hard to breathe. This highly contagious disease spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Infants or young children are particularly vulnerable to its severe complications, making vaccinations an essential preventative measure.
Symptoms of Whooping cough:
Runny nose
Low fever
Mild cough
However, as the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop:
Apnoea: a life-threatening pause in breathing, especially dangerous for babies
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting after coughing fits
How does the Whooping Cough Vaccine protect you?
The whooping cough vaccine works by helping your body develop antibodies against the Bordetella Pertussis bacteria. When a pregnant woman receives the vaccine, these protective antibodies are passed to the baby through the placenta, offering the new-born crucial protection during the first few months of life.
When is the Vaccine recommended?
While the pertussis vaccine is generally recommended for young children, there are specific guidelines for its administration:
For infants and Children
6-in-1 vaccine: administered to babies at 8,12 and 16 weeks of age.
4-in-1 Pre-school booster: given to children around 2-3 years of age.
1- 10-year children: must be offered one dose of a pertussis-containing vaccine if they have not received primary immunisation and then a booster after a year.
Children aged 1-10 years who have not been vaccinated with a pertussis-containing vaccine of their primary immunisation should be given one dose of an appropriate pertussis-containing vaccine.
For Pregnant women
The vaccine is ideally administered between 20-36 weeks of gestation.
A new dose is recommended for every pregnancy to ensure maximum protection for each new-born.
For others
The pertussis vaccine is typically not recommended for individuals over 10 years of age, except for pregnant women or during an outbreak.
Why should you get a Whooping Cough shot?
Prevents serious illness, especially in young children, for whom it can be deadly
It prevents violent coughing fits and severe complications such as dehydration, pneumonia, and seizures
Vaccinating pregnant women will help to protect new-borns during their most vulnerable early months – effectiveness is around 90%
Keeps children from missing school or childcare and prevents parents from missing work due to illness
Reduces overall spread of whooping cough in the community, safeguarding those who are most vulnerable
How long is a person with whooping cough contagious?
Individuals with whooping cough are contagious from the onset of symptoms, typically beginning with a mild cough and cold-like symptoms. They are no longer contagious after 5 days of appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Side Effects of the Vaccine
While the whooping cough vaccine is generally safe, some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as:
Soreness and swelling at the injection site
Fever
Fussiness
Feeling tired
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
In rare cases, more severe reactions can occur, including non-stop crying for three or more hours. However, these effects are usually short-lived and much less severe than the potential complications of whooping cough itself.
Conclusion
Getting vaccinated against whooping cough is a crucial step in protecting yourself, your children, and your community from this serious disease. By ensuring that you and your loved ones are up to date on vaccinations, particularly during pregnancy, you can prevent the spread of whooping cough and safeguard the health of those most at risk. Speak with us at Wheatley Pharmacy today to make sure you are protected.
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