If your little one starts out with a cold and then starts coughing so hard that they can't even breathe, you'd be very scared as a mother, wouldn't you? It might not be just a normal cough. It could be the disease we've all heard of, called 'whooping cough', which is very dangerous for young children. But don't worry, fortunately, there is a very effective and safe vaccine to protect our children from this terrible disease. Today, we're going to talk about that very important vaccine.
What is Whooping Cough?
Simply put, whooping cough is a severe infection that affects our respiratory system, that is, the lungs and related parts. It is caused by a type of bacteria called `Bordetella pertussis`.
The most characteristic feature of this disease is an uncontrollable, continuous cough. When this cough occurs, the child may not be able to breathe and may turn blue. When the cough ends and a deep breath is taken, a loud "whooping" sound is made from the throat. This is why it is called 'Whooping Cough' in English. This cough may be accompanied by fever and breathing may stop for a while and then start again (apnea).
Why is this vaccine so important?
While this vaccine is important for everyone, it is especially life-saving for newborns and infants under a few months old, as whooping cough can cause very serious complications in children of this age.
- Lung infection (pneumonia): Germs can enter the child's lungs and cause serious infections.
- Tremors and epilepsy: Uncontrollable tremors and seizures may occur.
- Brain damage: In some severe cases, coughing can even cause permanent brain damage due to reduced oxygen supply to the brain.
Another dangerous thing about this disease is that in the early stages, the symptoms resemble a common cold. Therefore, an unvaccinated adult can easily transmit the disease to a young child without realizing that they have whooping cough.
What are the types of whooping cough vaccines?
We mainly use two types of vaccines to protect against whooping cough. Both of these vaccines protect against two other diseases in addition to whooping cough. These are Diphtheria and Tetanus.
| Name of the vaccine | Who will you give it to? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| DTaP vaccine | For children under 7 years old | This is the triple vaccine given to children under the National Immunization Program in Sri Lanka. It provides protection against all three diseases: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. |
| Tdap vaccine | For young children, adults and pregnant mothers | This is a "booster" vaccine. This is given to boost immunity again, as the immunity from the DTaP vaccine given as a child wanes over time. |
What is the vaccination schedule like?
It is very important that everyone gets this vaccine. According to the National Immunization Program in Sri Lanka, your child is given the DTaP vaccine, consisting of 5 doses, free of charge at the appropriate ages.
- At 2 months of age
- At 4 months of age
- At 6 months of age
- At 18 months of age (1 1/2 years)
- Between the ages of 4-6 (before going to school)
After that, it is recommended to get a Tdap booster vaccine around the age of 11-12. As adults, it is very important for us to get a Tdap booster vaccine every 10 years for our own safety and the safety of the young children around us.
Why is this especially important for pregnant mothers?
If you are a pregnant mother, remember this part well. It is extremely important to get the Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of pregnancy. This is because the protective proteins (antibodies) that you make in your body then pass to your baby through the placenta. This means that your baby is protected from whooping cough for the first few months after birth, until their own immunity develops.
Also, if you are visiting a newborn baby, or if you have a newborn baby at home, it is very important for the baby's safety that everyone, including the father, grandmother, and grandfather, keep their Tdap vaccinations up to date.
What to do if you miss a vaccine?
Don't worry. It can happen sometimes. If your child misses a vaccine on its due date, you can talk to your family doctor about it at your next visit and get the missed dose as directed. The same goes for adults who miss a booster.
Who should not get this vaccine?
Some people may be advised to delay or not get vaccinated. For example, if you or your child has a mild cold, you can still get vaccinated. However, if you have a high fever or feel unwell, it is best to wait until you are well before getting vaccinated.
If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to talk to your doctor before getting the vaccine:
- If you have had a severe allergic reaction to this vaccine before.
- If you have had unbearable pain, a high fever (over 105°F/40.5°C), or significant swelling after receiving a previous vaccination.
- If you have seizures or another nervous system condition.
- If you have a rare neurological condition such as `Guillain-Barré syndrome`.
- If you have a severe allergy to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.
What are the minor side effects of the vaccine?
Most people don't experience anything serious. Even if there are minor side effects, they usually go away on their own within a day or two. There's no need to worry about this.
- Redness, slight swelling, or pain at the injection site
- Body pain
- Slight fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
These symptoms are normal. However, if your child has a high fever, is crying continuously, or if you have any concerns, it's best to call a doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Whooping cough is a serious disease that can be fatal, especially for young children.
- The DTaP (for young children) and Tdap (for adults) vaccines are very safe and very effective in preventing the disease.
- Give your child all vaccines on time according to the national immunization schedule provided by the government.
- If you are a pregnant mother, it is essential to receive the Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of pregnancy to protect your unborn child.
- Always talk to your doctor for advice about your child's vaccinations or any health concerns you may have.
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