Now’s the time to protect your baby from whooping cough

Infant cases of pertussis are on the rise in Texas. Though pertussis is not usually serious for adults, it can make breathing impossible for babies. Get answers to these questions about pertussis prevention in the PDF below:

What is pertussis (whooping, cough) and why is it so dangerous for babies?

Pertussis (whooping cough) is caused by bacteria and can be deadly to infants. It can cause coughing fits, choking, pneumonia, brain damage, and even death. In some cases, babies cannot cough or breathe. Pertussis can cause serious illness or death in newborns and infants because they are too young to be fully vaccinated.

How do I keep myself and my baby from getting pertussis (whooping cough)?

Getting a Tdap vaccine during every pregnancy is the best way to protect both you and your baby from pertussis (whooping cough). Another way to help prevent pertussis is to avoid others who have not been vaccinated against pertussis. Do not allow persons who are coughing or sneezing near the baby.

What is the Tdap vaccine?

Tdap is a combination vaccine that protects against tetanus, diptheria, and pertusiss.

Why do I need to get the Tdap vaccine?

Protection from your childhood pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine decreases as you get older, so you may not be protected as an adult. As an adult, the Tdap vaccine helps protect you from getting pertussis, so you do not get infected and give the illness to your newborn baby.

Is it safe to get the Tdap vaccine while I am pregnant? Can it hurt my baby?

The Tdap vaccine is recommended for women during every pregnancy. There is no evidence that the vaccine is harmful to the mom or the baby.

When is it safe to get the Tdap vaccine while pregnant?

Tdap can be safely given at any time during pregnancy. The best time to get the Tdap vaccine is at 27 to 36 weeks.

Will it be safe to breastfeed my baby if I get the Tdap vaccine?

Yes. It is safe to breastfeed after receiving the Tdap vaccine. Protection may be passed in breast milk.

Where can I get the Tdap vaccine?

Talk to your healthcare provider about getting the Tdap vaccine.