Contrary to what one might think, the whooping cough is still present today. Since the 90s, it has even been on the rise among adults and young people alike. Infants can contract severe forms with a high risk of hospitalization which sometimes ends in intensive care. Currently, whooping cough is even the leading cause of death in children under 3 months. This is not acceptable for a disease that we know how to prevent.
The real problem is adult vaccination. Even if they were vaccinated correctly in childhood, they rarely get their boosters afterwards. They can therefore catch whooping cough and especially transmit it. Vaccination begins at 2 months of age but infants are not fully covered until 6 months, when the necessary injections have been given. Before 6 months, the infant is therefore vulnerable: he can be contaminated by a member of his entourage who does not necessarily know he is sick. Whooping cough is indeed much less noisy and less serious in adults.
The entourage of the child must be vaccinated
First and foremost the parents, of course, but also anyone who will be in contact with the child on a regular basis before his 6 months: grandparents, siblings, uncles and aunts, nanny or babysitter. An essential precaution to entrust your child with confidence!
The pertussis vaccine is combined with that against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. It is done in two injections at 2 and 4 months. A recall then takes place at 11 months, 6 years, as well as between 11 and 13 years. In adults, only one booster is necessary. It should be done at age 25 or as soon as a pregnancy project is considered. The vaccine is also combined with DT-Polio, but there is also a DT-Polio without pertussis. Thus, we can believe ourselves up to date in its vaccinations, while the booster against whooping cough has not taken place!
What if I am pregnant?
Look at your health book with your doctor. In case of non-vaccination, it is advisable to do it as soon as possible, after childbirth. This is possible before leaving the maternity ward. This vaccination is completely compatible with breastfeeding. On the other hand, it is preferable that the future daddy and the adults brought to keep the baby are vaccinated before the birth.
Dr Anne Bellot, pediatrician in the neonatology department of the CHU de Caen (14).
