How effective is the whooping cough vaccine in adults?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been hearing about whooping cough in the news lately. What exactly is it, and why is it dangerous? I thought it was an old disease that did not exist anymore. Do adults need to worry about it too, or is it just for babies? I am not sure if I was vaccinated as a child. How can I find out? Is there a vaccine for adults, and do I need to get it? How often do I need to be vaccinated? Are there any side effects from the vaccine? What about for pregnant women? Is it safe for them? How effective is the vaccine in preventing whooping cough?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

I appreciate that you have chosen icliniq.com for your medical needs.

I am here to give you the best care possible.

Whooping cough, or pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is dangerous because it can cause severe coughing fits that make it hard to breathe, eat, or sleep, and can lead to complications such as pneumonia, seizures, and even death, particularly in infants.

Despite being an old disease, whooping cough still exists and has seen a resurgence in recent years. Adults, not just babies, need to be concerned, as they can contract and spread the disease, often to vulnerable infants. To determine if you were vaccinated as a child, check with your family doctor or look for old medical records. Adults should receive the Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults receive a Tdap booster once, followed by a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster every 10 years. Pregnant women are advised to get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks, to provide passive immunity to their babies. The vaccine is generally safe, with side effects typically being mild, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, or fatigue. The Tdap vaccine is effective in preventing whooping cough, significantly reducing the risk of severe disease and its spread within the community. Vaccination remains a critical measure in controlling whooping cough outbreaks and protecting public health.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.