Friday, September 02, 2011
Adults need an extra booster vaccine against whooping cough…
Infants and young children are routinely vaccinated against whooping cough, or "Pertussis". However, we are still seeing cases of whooping cough in babies and young adults. Because the vaccine seems to wear off, older adults get infected with mild symptoms and unknowingly pass it on to babies who are not yet fully protected.
Whooping cough is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella Pertussis which is spread through the air when an infected person coughs. Whooping cough tends to spread more easily in "close-contact" situations such as among family members and in schools. The infection begins like a regular cold and then the very characteristic cough phase develops. The cough occurs in spurts during which a person’s face turns red, has teary eyes and often vomits after the cough. There is a very characteristic" Whoop Sound" during the cough giving the very scary impression of choking. This cough phase can last for up to 3 months and typically slowly goes away on its own. Although it causes great discomfort, Pertussis is not considered life threatening in older children and healthy adults. However it can be very dangerous, even deadly in infants and young babies.
What about treatment?
Unfortunately antibiotics do not usually change the duration of the symptoms. Antibiotics are generally given to the individual and close contacts to stop the spread of the bacteria. The only available treatment is supportive, including cough medicines (given only under the direct supervision of a physician). Babies with whooping cough are usually hospitalized for very close monitoring and support.
How is whooping cough prevented?
The Pertussis vaccine has been very helpful in preventing whooping cough over the last several decades. However the older Pertussis vaccine was not 100% effective, wore off with age and had some potentially serious side effects. It was initially given 5 times, incorporated with the routine vaccine schedule with the last booster given between 4-6 years of age. A newer version was developed, known as the Acellular Pertussis vaccine, which was given 6 times including a last dose (combined with the diphtheria-tetanus vaccine) during the teenage years (age 14-15). More recently, we have noticed that despite vaccinating teenagers with the extra booster shot, we still see cases among babies. For this reason, in Ontario, this vaccine is now offered, free of charge, to adults between 18-64 years old who have not receive the 6th shot. This “one-time” extra dose will hopefully boost adults’ immunity and indirectly surrounding children (be it their kids, the neighbours’ kids, grandkids, nephews or nieces etc)
I believe that administering a booster dose of the Acellular Pertussis vaccine to adults will make a difference in the rates of this infection among younger children. I urge all adults to talk their doctor or the Eastern Ontario Health Unit about this shot, especially if they are in contact with young infants and babies.
For more information about this vaccine, call the Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 613-933-1375 or at 1 800 267-7120 and ask for Health Line.
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