Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. The bacteria that cause pertussis attach to the cilia (tiny hair-like extensions) along the airway and release toxins, which damage the cilia and cause inflammation of the airways.
Pertussis primarily affects infants and young children but can also affect adults. Adults are considered at risk for transmitting pertussis to infants who have not yet completed their vaccination series. Vaccination against pertussis is essential in preventing its spread among communities.
While there are guidelines regarding when to get vaccinated against pertussis, one question seems ubiquitous - how often should one revaccinate? In this article, we shall explore this topic with wit!
First things first: What is Pertussis?
Before diving deep into revaccinations; let's take a look at what really causes all this hullabaloo- Pertussssiiiiiiss!
Typically referred to by some pediatrician as "any parent's nightmare" or “the hundred-day cough”, perturbs you with severe throat infection leading towards violent uncontrollable coughing leaving victims gasping for breaths.
Symptoms may Include: Whooping sound while inhaling Intense cough fits Vomiting during/after intense bouts of cough. Breaking into sweats due to exertion from endless fits
Sounds like fun right? Well...as exciting as it might sound if it went on an adventure reminiscent of some warrior story arc. Most wouldn't wish it upon themselves or even enemies! Keep reading!
The Solution : Vaccination
Getting vaccinated remains super important for prevention which leads us back around our original inquiry -how often should be looking towards securing ourselves through revaccinations??!
The answer ain’t rocket science BUT don’t kill the comic value by jumping to conclusions just yet. (Mhmm suspense).
The Pertussis Vaccine
DTaP, Tdap What’s It All About? Two primary vaccines available for prevention: DTaP and Tdap DTaP — Diphtheria, tetanus & acellular pertussis vaccine recommended for children under 7 years old. Tdap - Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine typically given to adolescents/adults.
The CDC recommends routine vaccination against pertussis at these intervals:
Infants Age 2 months Age 4 months Age 6 months (Initial Series)
Booster shots/ additional doses: Usually in early childhood up(until age seven).
Here's our chance now! Is it really important enough that all grown adults need it? We could simply let the infants who can't cater for themselves have all fun with shots and move on right?!
However this isn’t a birthday party we RSVP to attend in-person or even neglect entirely- rather its virus-induced misery attacks waiting around every corner!
Survival comes at most times through preparation; which is why individuals must get vaccinated reliably according to their health provider's recommendations.
Vaccinations As Adults
Adults require regular immunization if avoiding community outbreaks of infections like pertussssiiiiiiss is still a thing they crave as life goals. Generally speaking... After six years from your last dose; you may risk contracting the disease again if immunity wears off.
A part from medical recommendations here also lies personal preference— are you okay being put into self isolation upon discovering an outbreak arised within close proximity bringing along with it uninvited guests like headaches fatigue intense coughing fits?
If no...please get “tapped”!! I promise its not another way in which an outdated folks like the elderly inquire for a "butt dial"----although it is a butt that receives the inoculation; very much unlike your phone!
Boosters
Let’s talk about booster shots to be on the safe side (we don't want anyone coming after us). Boosters are often recommended as immunity against viruses/ common infections deteriorate over time. Pregnant women should get Tdap vaccine after 20th week of pregnancy with each and every pregnancy they have. A single dose of Tdap can serve as a booster post-ace adulthood if individuals have received doses peviously
People who live or work around infants should also consider boosters. The good news? Adults typically only need one booster shot in their lifetime.
Conclusion
In sum, we hope this article has left you chuckling yet informed you sufficiently enough such that you’re less likely to put up front row seat at any incoming attacks from pertussis -get vaccinated, revaccinated per recommendations and ensure those close to infants are also aware!