Also known as “Whooping cough”, is caused by the bacteria
B.pertussis. It is most serious in infants who can have fever, poor feeding,
exhibit apnea, and severe to minimal coughing spells. Pertussis is easily spread by
coughing and sneezing, especially by older children or adults who have milder
symptoms when they get sick. However,
the baby can be exposed and infected.
To protect the infant whose immune system is still developing,
it is recommended that all people in contact with the baby be vaccinated
against Pertussis. Young children receive a DTaP vaccine and those 7 years and
older can receive a Tdap vaccine.
Pregnant women should receive a dose of Tdap during each
pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of the pregnancy. This helps protect
the baby by increasing the mother’s immunity against the disease when she
receives the vaccine. Some of the protection is also passed on to the baby.
For further information, go to DOH Topics A to Z or Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).