Whooping Cough and Vaccinations - advice please?

[Michelle71]

The whooping cough comes combined with the tetanus booster. It is available free in NSW and letters were sent out to encourage people who were *in regular contact with children / babies* (whatever that means ) to get vaccinated. You just need to ask your GP. Tetanus generally lasts for 10 years unless it is a really dirty wound or you forget and just get given another one Not all tetanus injections include the whooping cough vaccine though!!

[*TripleJ*]

but my gp is a moron but im pretty sure i had one 4 yrs ago coz my sister had it (from not being vaxed) so we all had to get them so we didnt catch it or carry it even if we already had it and i also had one when i was 15 i think with the tetanus booster at school

[bon]

It's free for parents in QLD at the moment. DH and I are going to get it done, I plan to ask if I can have it before I leave the hospital with bub. From what I have heard, you should really get it done before your baby's first vaccs - because it is before then that they are the most vulnerable. So you should really be getting it as soon as you can after you give birth, and your partner, family etc should get it done before then.

[GoingtobebiginAsia]

It's possible for kids to catch whooping cough even after they've been vaccinated.
My sister and I caught it when we were quite young, even though we'd had all our shots. My Dad had just been transferred to Mackay and we were on our way there when we got stranded between two flooded rivers for three days. My Mum had quite a stressful time, especially when she saw us sharing a softdrink (through a straw) with some other kids!

[Lukesmum]

I was exposed to whooping cough (unaware but have since receieved a call for the department of health) last Saturday and I am having a c-section in 2 weeks. I have had swabs done and get the results tomorrow. In the meantime I am on antibiotics. DH had the booster on Saturday for free and my parents had their booster today for free as well. I will be having mine straight after delivery in hospital. I have been told by 3 doctors that you can't have the booster while pg.

[Rommy'sMummy]

I had this conversation with my OB yesterday.

I am pro-vax and we live in an area where there are a lot of anti-vax families so there is a bit of an epidemic of whooping cough here at the moment.

My OB's recommendations were to get a booster for DH (now) and myself (just after birth) and that bubs could get done at 6 weeks instead of the usual 8 weeks. She thought it would be unlikely for bubs to get sick from being in the same room (shops etc) as those that are sick but that regular, intimate contact with those that are sick would be the risk. That means those holding and kissing bubs.

We will be getting done and asking my sister (who will be at the birth) and my parents and PIL to get boosters.

Not many people will be holding my bub in the first couple of weeks as I dont like handing baby around like a parcel .

[JellyBean]

Here is a list of all the whooping cough vaccines from WAVE (World Association for Vaccine Education). Some of them are combination shots. They are listed according to manufacturer, with booster recommendations, plus a detailed list of the ingredients - pathogen strains and adjuvants. Research here is recommended as some options may be more desirable than others, and you may be able to request certain brands to your doctor if you do not wish for your child to be injected with a particular ingredient (ie- thimerosal, formaldehyde or aluminium).

Pertussis (whooping cough) Vaccines

Acel-Immune Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed

Manufacturer Lederle Laboratories
Microorganism The bacterial toxins C. diphtheriae and C. tetani and acellular pertussis adsorbed
Licensed 12/30/1996
Recommendations Immunizations for Infants and Children <7 Years of Age: The first three i.m. injections are usually given at ages 2, 4 and 6 months, the fourth dose at age 15-18 months, and the fifth dose at age 4-6 years. The fifth dose is not necessary if the fourth dose was given after the child's fourth birthday. Immunizations for Children 7 or More Years of Age, Adolescents, and Adults: Three injections of Td; the first two doses should be given 4-8 weeks apart and the third dose 6-12 months after the second. Thereafter, routine booster doses of Td should be given every 10 years.
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, Formaldehyde, Gelatin, Polysorbate 80, Thimerosal, Pertussis toxin, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid.
Product Descriptions




Acel-P Pertussis

Manufacturer Wyeth-Ayerst
Microorganism The bacterial toxin of B. pertussis
Licensed New product in 2001, original license 1996
Recommendations 3 i.m. injections at 0, 6, 12 weeks (but not more than 10 weeks) in children 15 months to 6 years of age
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, Gelatin, Polysorbate 80, Thimerosal, Pertussis toxin, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Aluminum phosphate.
Product Descriptions

Corporate package insert:

Adacel- Tetanus, reduced diphtheria toxoids, acelular pertussis, adsorbed (TdaP)

Manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur
Microorganism The bacterial toxins of C. dipthriae, C. Tetani, and B. Pertussis
Licensed 01/23/2006
Recommendations One i.m. injection for use in 11-64 year old persons.
Ingredients Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde, 2 - Phenoxyethanol, Pertussis toxin, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid.
Product Descriptions

University: Vaccine Safety - Tdap Vaccine Components[/url]
Manufacturer Press Release




Boostrix- (Tdap) Tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis, adsorbed

Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline
Microorganism The bacterial toxins B. pertussis, C. tetani, C. diphtheriae
Licensed 12/29/2005
Recommendations For use in 10-18 year old persons; Single 0.5 mL i.m. injection route into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm.
Ingredients Formaldehyde, Latex, Polysorbate 80, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Pertactin, Aluminum adjuvant.
Product Descriptions

Package Insert



Certiva (DTaP) Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine, adsorbed

Manufacturer North American Vaccine, Inc.
Microorganism The bacterial toxins of C. diptheriae, C. tetani, and B. pertussis.
Licensed 07/29/1998
Recommendations From 6 to 7 weeks, begin 3 i.m. injections at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, intervals of 6-8 weeks, with a fourth dose at 15-20 months, interval between 3rd and 4th doses should be at least 6 months.
Ingredients Ammonium sulfate, Aluminum hydroxide, Formaldehyde, Thimerosal, Pertussis toxin, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Bovine (cow) serum, Fetuin.
Product Descriptions

Certiva FDA Document



DAPTACEL (DTaP)

Manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur
Microorganism The bacteria C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis
Licensed 2002
Recommendations 4 injections at 2, 4, 6 months, and 17-20 months of age.
Ingredients Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde, Latex, 2 - Phenoxyethanol, Pertussis toxin, Pertactin, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid.
Product Descriptions

Package Insert



DPT Merieux (DTPer/Vac/Ads) Adsorbed diphtheria tetanus and pertussis vaccine BP, Pasteur Mrieux

Manufacturer Pasteur Mrieux
Microorganism
Licensed
Recommendations Three injections with an interval of at least 4 weeks between the first and second doses and at least 4 weeks between the second and the third doses. The vaccine may be administered to infants from 2 months of age.
Ingredients
Product Descriptions


DTAP-IPV Poliomyelitis

Manufacturer Statens Serum Institute
Microorganism C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. purtussis, polio virus, haemophilus influenzae type B virus
Licensed 01/29/1999
Recommendations Usually administered to babies at two, three and four months of age.
Ingredients Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Virus: polio, Haemophilus influenzae B.
Product Descriptions


DTCOQ/DTP Adsorbed Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis Vaccine

Manufacturer Aventis
Microorganism
Licensed
Recommendations start at two months of age, 3 injections at one or two month intervals
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, Thimerosal, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid.
Product Descriptions

Package Insert


Hexavac (DTaP, IPV, HBV, Hib) Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, inactivated poliomyelitis, hepatitis B (recombinant) and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine, adjuvanted

Manufacturer Aventis Pasteur MSD
Microorganism C. Diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis, polio virus, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b
Licensed 10/26/2000
Recommendations One i.m. injection for infants (from 2 to 12 months of age) with booster vaccination in toddlers (from 12 to 18 months of age).
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, Formaldehyde, Sucrose, Pertussis toxin, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Bovine (cow) serum, Sodium hydroxide, Virus: Hepatitis B, Medium 199, Haemophilus influenzae B, Acetic acid, Trometamol, Sodium hydrogen carbonate, Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Disodium phosphate dehydrate.
Product Descriptions

Suspension Press Release



Infanrix Hexa (DTaP, IPV, Hib, HBV) Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, H. influenzae B, Hepatitis B and inactivated polio virus

Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (France)
Microorganism Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis toxoids, hepatitis B, Poliovirus Type 1 (Mahoney strain), Type 2 (MEF-1 strain), Type 3 (Saukett strain)
Licensed 10/26/2000
Recommendations Three i.m. injections at 2, 3, 4 months.
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, 2 - Phenoxyethanol, Pertussis toxin, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Pertactin, Sodium chloride, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Virus: Hepatitis B, Medium 199, Virus: polio, Haemophilus influenzae B, Lactose.
Product Descriptions

EMEA Document



Infanrix (DTaP) Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, acellular pertussis

Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline
Microorganism The bacteria C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis
Licensed 01/29/1997
Recommendations For use as the initial four doses of the recommended diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccination series among children aged 6 weeks-6 years. Infanrix is also licensed for all remaining doses in the schedule for children who have received one or more doses of whole-cell DTP vaccine. Each dose of Infanrix contains 24 ?g PT, 25?g FHA, 8?g Pn, 25 Lf of diphtheria toxoid, and 10 Lf of tetanus toxoid (Table 1).
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, Formaldehyde, Latex, 2 - Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 80, Pertussis toxin, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Pertactin, Sodium chloride, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid.
Product Descriptions



Pediacel (DTaP, IPV, HiB) Diphtheria, tetanus, five component acellular pertussis, inactivated poliomyelitis and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine, adsorbed

Manufacturer Aventis Pasteur (Europe)
Microorganism C. diptheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis, polio virus, H. influenzae B
Licensed 10/10/2002
Recommendations Three i.m. injections at 2, 3, 4 months with at least one month between injections.
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde, Neomycin, 2 - Phenoxyethanol, Polymyxin B, Polysorbate 80, Streptomycin, Pertussis toxin, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Virus: polio, Haemophilus influenzae B, Polyribosylribitol phosphate, African green monkey kidney cells.
Product Descriptions



Pediarix (HBV, DTaP, IPV) and inactivated Polio

Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline
Microorganism C. diphtheriae, C. tetani and B. pertussis, H. influenzae virus type b and the polio virus
Licensed December 13, 2002
Recommendations 3 i.m. injections in infants as early as 6 weeks of age, to 7 years of age.
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, Formaldehyde, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, Polysorbate 80, Thimerosal, Yeast, Pertussis toxin, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Pertactin, Stopper vial may contain dry latex rubber, Tetanus, Sodium chloride, Virus: polio.
Product Descriptions

Package Insert



Pentacel (HiB, DPT, IPV) ActHIB? reconstituted with QUADRACEL

Manufacturer Aventis (Canada)
Microorganism H. influenzae virus type b, C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis, and polio virus
Licensed 09/26/2005
Recommendations 4 injections at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age, not for use with persons age 7 or older.
Ingredients Formaldehyde, Neomycin, 2 - Phenoxyethanol, Polymyxin B, Polysorbate 80, Pertussis toxin, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Pertactin, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Bovine (cow) serum, Virus: polio, Haemophilus influenzae B, Polyribosylribitol phosphate.
Product Descriptions

Package Insert



POLIAcel Combination vaccine pack containing Act-HIB?: Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide conjugated to tetanus protein reconstituted with QUADRACEL?: Pertussis Vaccine-Acellular Combined with Diphth

Manufacturer Aventis Pasteur
Microorganism C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis, polio virus and H. influenzae virus type b
Licensed
Recommendations primary immunisation schedule is one dose given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. A booster dose may be given at 15 to 20 months of age
Ingredients Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, Polysorbate 80, Sucrose, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Bovine (cow) serum, Virus: polio, Haemophilus influenzae B, Trometamol, Pertussis Toxoid.
Product Descriptions



QUADRACEL (DTP, IPV) Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, adsorbed with poliomyelitis

Manufacturer Aventis
Microorganism C. Diphtheriae toxin, C. tetani toxin, B. pertussis, poliovirus type 1, 2, and 3
Licensed
Recommendations 4 i.m. injections at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age. Not recommended for those over 7 years of age.
Ingredients Formaldehyde, Neomycin, 2 - Phenoxyethanol, Polymyxin B, Polysorbate 80, Pertussis toxin, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Pertactin, Tetanus, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Bovine (cow) serum.
Product Descriptions

Package Insert



Repavax (dTaP/IPV) Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Acellular, Component) and Poliomyelitis (Inactivated) Vaccine, adjuvanted.

Manufacturer Aventis Pasteur
Microorganism C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis, polio virus
Licensed 09/26/2006
Recommendations from the age of three years, as a booster
Ingredients Formaldehyde, Neomycin, 2 - Phenoxyethanol, Polymyxin B, Polysorbate 80, Streptomycin, Pertussis toxin, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Virus: polio, Polyribosylribitol phosphate, African green monkey kidney cells.
Product Descriptions


SII Triple Antigen Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed

Manufacturer Serum Institute of India, Ltd
Microorganism C. diphtheria, C. Tetani, B. Pertussis
Licensed
Recommendations 3 doses should be inoculated on 3 separate occasions at 4 to 6 week intervals. The first dose should be given at approximately 6 weeks of age. Reinforcing injections should be given 12 months after the primary immunization and also between the ages of 4 to 6 years.
Ingredients Thimerosal, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid.
Product Descriptions


TetrACT-HIB Adsorbed diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and conjugated haemophilus type b vaccine

Manufacturer Aventis Pasteur
Microorganism C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis and haemophilus type b virus
Licensed
Recommendations 2 months of age, 3 injections at one or two month intervals
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, Sucrose, Thimerosal, Sodium chloride, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Sodium hydroxide, Haemophilus influenzae B, Acetic acid, Trometamol, Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Dehydrate sodium hydrogen phosphate.
Product Descriptions

Package Insert



Tetramune (DTP-HbOC) Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed with Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine

Manufacturer Lederle Laboratories (Canada)
Microorganism C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis and Haemophilus b virus
Licensed 03/30/1993
Recommendations (Not for individuals age 7 or older) At 6 weeks of age, the immunisation series for TETRAMUNE consists of 3 doses of 0.5 mL each at approximately 2 month intervals, followed by a fourth dose of 0.5 mL at approximately 15 months of age.
Ingredients Formaldehyde, Thimerosal, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Sodium phosphate-monobasic, Sodium phosphate-dibasic dodecahydrate, Glycine, Potassium phosphate, Haemophilus influenzae B.
Product Descriptions



Tetravac- Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine, adsorbed

Manufacturer Aventis Pasteur
Microorganism
Licensed
Recommendations Primary immunisation can be given as 3 doses at an interval of 1-2 months starting at the age of 2 or 3 months or as 2 doses at an interval of 2 months starting at the age of 3 months and a third dose at the age of 12 months. A fourth dose should be administered within the second year of life.
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde, 2 - Phenoxyethanol, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Sodium hydroxide, Medium 199, Virus: polio, Acetic acid, Pertussis Toxoid.
Product Descriptions

Package Insert



Tri-Immunol DPT Adsorbed

Manufacturer Wyeth (Canada)
Microorganism C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis
Licensed 07/24/1970
Recommendations The recommended vaccination schedule is a dose at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 15 or 20 months with a booster dose at prior to entering school at 4-6 years of age
Ingredients Thimerosal, Tetanus, Aluminum phosphate.
Product Descriptions




TriHIBit DTaP and Hib conjugate

Manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur
Microorganism The bacterial toxins C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis. and Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Licensed 2001
Recommendations One, 0.5 mL i.m. injection of vaccine.
Ingredients Ammonium sulfate, Formaldehyde, Gelatin, Latex, Polysorbate 80, Pertussis toxin, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Aluminum potassium sulfate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Haemophilus influenzae B.
Product Descriptions

Package Insert

Note: As of May 2001, Aventis was in the process of transitioning to their new preservative-free DTaP and Hib conjugate vaccine; however, some supplies of the original TriHIBit may still be in use.




Tripacel Pertussis Vaccine-Acellular, Combined With Diphtheria And Tetanus Toxoids (Adsorbed)

Manufacturer Aventis
Microorganism Pertussis, Diphtheria, Tetanus
Licensed
Recommendations one dose administered at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, booster dose should be administered at 18 months of age, should not be administered to persons after their eighth birthday
Ingredients Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Pertactin, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Pertussis Toxoid.
Product Descriptions


Tripedia DTaP

Manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur
Microorganism The bacteria C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis.
Licensed 2001
Recommendations
Ingredients Formaldehyde, Gelatin, Polysorbate 80, Thimerosal, Pertussis toxin, Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Stopper vial may contain dry latex rubber, Tetanus, Aluminum potassium sulfate.
Product Descriptions

Package Insert
(Note: As of May 2001, Aventis was in the process of transitioning to their new preservative-free DTaP vaccine; however, some supplies of the original Tripedia? may still be in use.)



Triple Antigen Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccine (Adsorbed)

Manufacturer CSL Limited, New Zealand
Microorganism C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis
Licensed
Recommendations Triple Antigen? should be given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age with a booster dose at 18 months of age
Ingredients Thimerosal, Sodium chloride, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Sodium phosphate.
Product Descriptions



Tritanrix HB-HIB (DtwP, HBV, HiB) Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and hepatitis B

Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline
Microorganism C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis and hepatitis B virus
Licensed July 19, 1996
Recommendations Single injection as early as 6 weeks of life.
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, Yeast, Sodium chloride, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Virus: Hepatitis B.
Product Descriptions




Tritanrix HepB (DTPw+HBV) Diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), pertussis (whole cell) (Pw) and hepatitis B (rDNA) (HBV) vaccine

Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline
Microorganism C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis and hepatitis B virus
Licensed 07/19/1996 (E.U.)
Recommendations Three injections with an interval of at least one month between each.
Ingredients Thimerosal, Yeast, Sodium chloride, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Virus: Hepatitis B, Aluminum oxide.
Product Descriptions

Consumer Package Insert

Professional Package Insert



TRIVAX-AD (DT Per/Vac/Ads), Adsorbed Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccine

Manufacturer The Wellcome Foundation Limited, London
Microorganism C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis
Licensed
Recommendations Not for adults and elderly. Children up to six years: 3 injections at intervals of not less than four weeks of age.
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, Thimerosal, Sodium chloride, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid, Sodium Borate, Succinic Acid.
Product Descriptions



Trivax-Hib Adsorbed Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccine BP, DTPer/Vac/Ads (Trivax-AD) and Haemophilus type b conjugate Vaccine

Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (UK)
Microorganism C. diphtheriae, C. tetani, B. pertussis and haemophilus influenza type b virus
Licensed
Recommendations Three injections starting at two months of age. Children under ten years of age.
Ingredients Aluminum hydroxide, Pertussis toxin, Tetanus toxoid, Haemophilus influenzae B.
Product Descriptions


Zaantide Diptheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine, adsorbed

Manufacturer Institute of Immunology (Croatia)
Microorganism C. diphtheria, C. tetani, B. Pertussis
Licensed
Recommendations Age 3-6 months; 0, 4-6 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 6 months
Ingredients Formaldehyde, Thimerosal, Aluminum phosphate, Diphtheria toxoid, Tetanus toxoid.
Product Descriptions

Package Insert

[Stevie]

i actually got WC at about 17 weeks in this pregnancy, it was one of the most horribel things i have ever been through. i was a wreck, and i was scared i woudl still have it when bubs comes. The things is you keep the cough for months and months, i cough in the morning when i get up but thats about it, i asked my doc to retest me now, but he said i wont have it anymore, if all other symptoms are gone.. which they are
I will def be gettin bub vaccinated and i will be getting a shot after she is born. Dh went on meds when i did JIC but when i get my shot i will be asking if he can have his too.
Little babies can die from it, and i totally see how its possible. I dont see why anyone would want to not vaccinate.
Also my doctor said that its caught by being intimate with someone (kissing , sharing drinks act) and/or being close to someone for an exteneded period of time (4 hours in the same room, type thing)

[willow5]

I have a question (sorry if it's a stupid one)
But if you can still contract whooping cough after you've been vaccinated then I would assume you can still pass it on? Or doesn't it work that way??
Even if you don't get as severe a case I would have thought that if you pass it on to someone not vaxed they would still be at risk of being pretty sick with it?

[Lulu]

If you get it, you can still pass it on, yep.

[willow5]

If you get it, you can still pass it on, yep.

Thanks Lulu, so even you are vaxed you still need to be very careful around bubs because you're not completely immune so watch for any symptoms still I guess.
Just cos you've had the jab doesn't make you totally safe.

[Rooey5]

You can get the whooping cough immunisation as a combination injection with the ADT (Adult Diptheria and Tetanus) booster, you just need to ask your GP/staff health nurse/whoever does your shots for the one with pertussis in it.

I had the ADTP shot 2 years ago as I was due for my tetanus booster anyway. I believe (but could be wrong) that it's repeated every 10 years, though it can be given prior to that time if you get an injury that could carry a risk of tetanus.

I'm not as up-to-date on immunisation news now I work on a ward (with no kiddies) instead of in emergency (with lots) though, so things could have changed!

[jakodai]

I had whooping cough when I was about 8-ish, and I'd had the vaccinations. My mum asked the doctor at the Children's Hospital in Melbourne what was the point in getting me vaccinated, and the Dr told her that if I hadn't have been vaccinated it probably would have killed me, but I had asthma as well.

I still remember how horrible it was, and I don't remember much at all from before I was about 11 because I had a water skiing accident which resulted in a severe head injury and a lot of memory loss, but that's one thing I think I'll never forget. My partner also had whooping cough at the start of the year, and he's adamant that the baby will be vaccinated when he's due, especially given the chance of him having asthma - it's a strong family thing unfortunately, and it's just not worth the risk for me. It's a horrible horrible disease that I wouldn't wish on anyone.

[willow5]

I had whooping cough when I was about 8-ish, and I'd had the vaccinations. My mum asked the doctor at the Children's Hospital in Melbourne what was the point in getting me vaccinated, and the Dr told her that if I hadn't have been vaccinated it probably would have killed me, but I had asthma as well.

I'm still undecided about to vax or not but doing as much research I can, I've recently read an article about possible links with the whooping cough vaccine and an increase in atopic disorders one of which is asthma. So it's probably wise to research that link too if anyone is vaccinating against whooping cough because they have a child that could possibly develop asthma.
My eldest son developed childhood asthma and that's one reason I am researching vaccination before I jump straight into it again. I would hate to think me doing what I thought was the right thing when he was a bub could have led to scary nights in hospital with him and asthma.


I'll see if I can find a link and work out how to post it if anyone wants to have a look.

[Rooey5]

I've recently read an article about possible links with the whooping cough vaccine and an increase in atopic disorders one of which is asthma.

I haven't heard of this before, it would be interesting to read more about it.

I do know that childhood asthma can crop up at any time, it doesn't neccessarily have to be there from the word go. For me it was, poor Mum and Dad, but my brother and sister didn't get any wheezes until they were at least 4-5. Granted my asthma is pretty schocking whereas they've outgrown theirs.

Anyway, I'll go the vaccine route, there's a good change I'll have an asthma baby after all! I'd rather they had the shot and got a lesser form of pertussis, if they were unlucky enough to contract it.

[Michelle71]

Willow - the purpose of the booster is to increase the immunity of those who were vaccinated years ago and no longer have an immunity or a low level immunity. Kind of like the rubella vaccination for women - we get our immunity checked with each pregnancy (before if you are organised ) and get a booster if needed. They have recognised that whooping cough (and other vaccinations) do not offer life time coverage and need to be boosted.

Some people though do not develop antibodies despite immunisation and they are both at risk of contracting and spreading the diseases. For example, all health workers are required to have Hep B vaccinations for work purposes. It is a 3 stage process but some require 4 doses and some never produce enough antibiodies to be considered *protected*. Titres (levels) also need to be checked every few years to ensure an ongoing immunity.

[willow5]

Hi Michelle71, I understand what the boosters are for,I was just saying that you shouldn't feel completely safe after having the shot as you can still contract it and pass it on, so being aware of that fact and if you do show any symptoms to be careful around bubs not just assume you're ok because you had the vax.

[bon]

I think that really goes without saying - I mean, my kids have all had the chicken pox vaccine, but that doesn't mean that I am going to allow them to be exposed to it just because they are vaccinated. Same for measles, mumps, rubella and all the other things they have been vaccinated against. The trouble is, most people pass on these things before they have even realised they are sick - for example, chicken pox is most contagious in the stage before the spots appear. Most people don't even have an inkling that they might have it until then, by which stage they could have potentially passed it on to lots of people without even realising. Whooping cough is also contagious before the person has even realised they might be sick, seen a doctor and been diagnosed - which is why often when someone is diagnosed, they medicate the whole family with antibiotics, or at least test everyone. At least if you have been vaccinated, you have a level of protection against these things.

And vaccinating does provide a greater level of protection - nobody can guarantee 100% that you will not get a disease after you have been vaccinated against it, but it is highly likely that if you DO catch it, it will be in a very mild form and your immune system will kick into gear and start fighting it a lot sooner - meaning that you are also less likely to pass it on (although the risk is still there of course).