TDaP Vaccine

As you may have heard, Pertussis (also known as Whooping Cough) is back in our community here in Vermont, including Chittenden county.  Pertussis is an infectious disease, caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis.  It is a respiratory infection, that causes inflammation of the tissues in the lungs and airways, impaired ability to clear respiratory secretions, and severe cough with the characteristic "whoop" that can last up to 6-10 weeks, hence the name.  In the 1900's, Pertussis was a major cause of death especially for infants and young children.  However, with the invention of the vaccine and routine administration of vaccines during childhood, Pertussis declined considerably.  Pertussis is particularly dangerous for young children and infants.

The Vermont Health Department tracks Pertussis cases in the state, and they have reported a considerable increase in the number of confirmed cases.

Pertussis is on the rise. Vermont had over a 3-fold increase in the number of Pertussis cases from 2011 to 2012.

Pertussis can be prevented with a vaccine - the TDaP vaccine, which stands for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis.  It is recommended that everyone make sure they are up to date on their TDaP vaccine.

Current guidelines for vaccination:
- Infants and Children:  The vaccine DTaP (the formulation for children) series of five shots given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, 15-18 months, and the fifth shot is given when a child enters school, at 4-6 years of age.

- Preteens and Teens: Vaccine protection for pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria can decrease with time. Preteens should get a TDaP booster at 11-12 years. Teens and young adults who didn't get a booster of TDaP as a preteen should get one dose when they visit their health care provider.

- For Pregnant Women: Expectant mothers should get one dose of TDaP during each pregnancy, preferably at 27-36 weeks. By getting TDaP during pregnancy, maternal antibodies transfer to the newborn, likely providing protection against pertussis in early life, before the baby starts getting DTaP vaccines. The TDaP vaccine will also protect the mother at time of delivery, making her less likely to transmit pertussis to her infant.  Fathers, childcare providers, or anyone that will be in close contact with the baby should make sure they are up to date on their vaccine, as well.

- For Adults: Adults 19 years and older who didn't get TDaP as a teen should get one dose of TDaP. Adults get TDaP in place of one of their regular tetanus boosters, Td, which is recommended for adults every 10 years.  However, the dose of TDaP should be given no matter when the last Td shot was received. It's a good idea for adults to talk to a health care provider about what's best for their specific situation.  Adults who are in close contact with infants and young children should make sure they are up to date with their vaccine to prevent exposure/risk to the infant.

We carry the TDaP vaccine in our office and administer it routinely!  Please call us if you need to update your vaccine, or if you are unsure.  When in doubt, it is always better to re-vaccinate.  There is no risk to receiving the vaccine twice if you are unsure if you have received the vaccine or not.  As recommended, we provide the vaccine to all pregnant women at 27-36 weeks.  Check out the CDC Pertussis website for more information.