Revised recommendations for the use
of Tdap vaccine to protect against pertussis ("whooping cough") in
older children and adults have been released by the American Academy of
Pediatrics and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Tdap vaccine also protects
against diphtheria and tetanus. All three illnesses are caused by bacteria and
are potentially deadly diseases.
Pertussis is easily transmitted and
causes severe, uncontrollable coughing. It mainly affects adolescents and
adults, but can be a serious threat to infants who are too young to be
immunized. Although children two months and older receive a similar vaccine
known as DTaP, which protects against the same three diseases, pertussis is
often transmitted by older, unvaccinated family members, friends and relatives.
"Changes in recommendation for
pertussis vaccination have come about as a consequence of the re-emergence of
whooping cough," explained Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonary specialist at
Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Vaccination is critical in the
pediatric age group because of the higher rate of lung damages, morbidity and
mortality of this preventable disease."
The recommendations call for a
single dose of Tdap to be given to health care workers of all ages and to all
adults -- including those over the age of 65 -- who have contact with infants.
In addition, a single dose of Tdap
should be given to children aged 7 to 10 who were underimmunized or who have an
incomplete vaccination history.
It's still recommended that
adolescents, including pregnant adolescents, and pregnant women be vaccinated.
The updated recommendations also say
that there is no longer a minimum interval between receiving a tetanus or
diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine and Tdap.
The revised policy statement appears
in the October issue of Pediatrics.
"The current recommendations
are right on track, and very important for physicians and their patients to
follow," said Dr. Peter Richel, chief of pediatrics at Northern
Westchester Hospital, in Mount Kisco, N.Y.
"In addition to the above
recommendations during childhood, Tdap should be received by adults...pregnant
women and caretakers of infants and children," Richel said. "That
means day care workers, teachers, and parents and grandparents of any age. If
you have any questions, refer to your pediatrician, obstetrician or
internist."
More information
The Nemours Foundation has more
about whooping cough.
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