Booster Vaccine Against Pertussis
(Whooping Cough) Available for
Adolescents and
Adults at BCPH Clinics
What is the new vaccine that protects adolescents and adults
against pertussis?
A new tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap),
was recently approved for use by anyone 11 through 64 years of age. It is
similar to the familiar childhood vaccine for the same diseases, DTaP, but is
formulated for older people.
What is pertussis, and why should I be concerned?
Pertussis, is a respiratory disease caused by bacteria. It is
highly contagious and is spread by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include:
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Violent coughing spells that occur repeatedly for weeks.
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Children often turn blue from lack of air and vomit at the end
of the coughing spells.
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Adults cough for three weeks or longer – may gag and/or vomit.
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Complications may include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain
problems due to lack of oxygen), and even death – especially in infants.
Why is it important for adolescents and adults to get Tdap?
Even people who have had the disease or were fully
vaccinated as children may be at risk of contracting pertussis. Studies have
shown that immunity to pertussis begins to wane five to ten years after the last
vaccination. Pertussis is around, so people who are not protected, for whatever
reason, can and do get it.
The most severe complications are usually found in children,
although it is estimated that 600,000 to 900,000 adolescents and adults get
pertussis every year. Not only do they suffer, but they can also infect
unprotected children with whom they have contact.
For more information on pertussis:
Pertussis Disease Fact Sheet
Who should get Tdap and when?
-
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
recommends that adolescents aged 11–18 years receive a single dose of Tdap in
place of tetanus/diphtheria (Td). The preferred age for Tdap vaccination is
11-12 years.
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ACIP also recommends that adults receive a Tdap vaccination
five to ten years after their last tetanus/diphtheria (Td) vaccination.
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In situations when it is important to protect against
pertussis (such as outbreak situations or for people who have close contact with
infants younger than one year of age), intervals of two to five years since the
last Td vaccination may be used.
Are there side effects from the vaccine?
A vaccine, like any medicine, could possibly cause serious
problems, such as severe allergic reactions. However, the risk of a vaccine
causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small, while the complications of
the diseases can be devastating.
Tdap vaccine is an inactivated or “killed” version of the
bacteria. There is no risk of contracting tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis from
the vaccine. Pregnancy is not a contraindication for receiving Tdap or Td.
Mild Problems
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Pain (about 7 in 10)
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Redness or swelling (about 1 in 5)
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Mild fever (at least 99.5°F) (up to about 1 in 10)
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Headache (about 4 in 10)
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Tiredness (less than 1 in 3)
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Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (about 1 in 5)
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Other mild problems reported include chills, body aches, sore
joints, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
Moderate Problems
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Severe pain at the injection site (about 1 in 20)
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Severe redness or swelling (up to about 1 in 16)
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Fever over 102°F (about 1 in 100)
Severe Problems
How can I protect my family and myself against pertussis?
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Make sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date. Children
should receive a total of five DTaP shots. The immunizations should be started
at two months of age, and completed by the fourth or fifth birthday.
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If your child is 10 years or older, ask your doctor for the
new Tdap shot.
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Ask your doctor if Tdap is recommended for you.
More information from the Centers for Disease Control:
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