Whooping cough, a severe and contagious disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, is still a common misconception that there is no vaccine for pregnant women and adults do not need booster vaccinations. Despite the rise in cases of whooping cough in Vietnam, Dr. Nguyen Le Nga, Medical Manager of VNVC Vaccination System, emphasizes the importance of understanding the disease and its prevention.
Whooping cough affects people of all ages but is most commonly seen in children. It can lead to severe complications such as respiratory failure, pneumonia, and encephalitis. Young children are at a higher risk of developing these complications. However, many people mistakenly believe that there is no vaccine available for pregnant women to prevent whooping cough. In reality, pregnant women can receive a combined shot against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus to protect themselves and their newborns from the disease. Studies have shown that children under 3 months old are often infected by their mothers, leading to hospitalization and severe complications. Dr. Nga recommends pregnant women to get vaccinated during the 2nd or 3rd trimester to ensure their protection against this disease.
Another common misconception is that once children receive the full vaccination regimen, they are immune to the disease for life and do not need booster shots. However, vaccines only provide protection for a limited time, and without booster shots, the risk of infection remains high. Reputable health organizations recommend booster shots for children at different ages and adults every 10 years to maintain immunity against whooping cough. Anyone can get this disease regardless of age or gender; therefore it’s crucial for adults to stay up-to-date with their vaccinations to protect themselves and their families from getting sick with this debilitating illness.
In conclusion, understanding whooping cough’s nature and how it spreads is essential in preventing its outbreaks. Pregnant women should get vaccinated during pregnancy while adults should keep up with their booster shots as recommended by reputable health organizations to protect themselves and their loved ones from this dangerous illness that can have severe consequences if left untreated or unvaccinated against it .