Pregnancy is an extraordinary time during which a woman, preparing for the birth of her child, takes special care of herself through a healthy lifestyle, physical activity or regular medical appointments. During each trimester of pregnancy, laboratory tests and ultrasound examinations are carried out. In the third trimester, the gynaecologist informs about the possibility of vaccination against influenza, COVID-19 or against pertussis. Can pertussis be dangerous for a pregnant woman? Is vaccination against pertussis compulsory?
Table of contents:
- Pertussis: what are its symptoms?
- How do children get sick from pertussis?
- How do I protect myself from contracting the disease?
- Vaccination for pertussis: does it protect the newborn?
- Pertussis: types of vaccine and suggested doses
Pertussis seems to be a forgotten disease that is currently absent in society. It is most often associated only with vaccination among children.
In contrast, pertussis is a relatively common disease. It is estimated that a large proportion of newborns become infected from close family members, most commonly the mother, followed by the father and, to the least extent, siblings.
Pertussis: what are the symptoms?
Pertussis is a highly contagious disease caused by a bacteria that, by producing a toxin, causes a wide range of symptoms. The best known is an attack of persistent coughing that can lead to breathlessness.
Pertussis in children, photo: panthermedia
The disease itself is divided into 3 stages:
- the non-inflammatory phase,
- paroxysmal cough phase,
- the recovery phase.
In the first stage of the illness, a runny nose appears for about 1- 2 weeks. A cough occurs later, initially tiring at night, dry and then productive. During a coughing fit, a feeling of breathlessness may be experienced. The cough may be so severe that it causes vomiting, involuntary passing of stool or urine. Often, facial bruising and a small petechial rash on the face can be observed during an attack.
Thecoughing attack usually ends with expectoration of thick secretions. During a recovery period of up to several months, attacks occur with less frequency, but may be exacerbated by physical exertion or the next infection.
How do children get sick from pertussis?
In adults and adolescents, the only symptom is often an increased cough that lasts for quite a long time. In infants and younger children, the course of the disease can be more severe. The disease may only manifest itself as apnoea or convulsions in the child.
Course of pertussis in children, photo: panthermedia
Babies up to 6 months of age are most at risk of the disease. In this age range, the course of the disease is usually severe and complications often arise. Complications in infants include:
- respiratory system,
- nervous system,
- musculoskeletal system.
How can we protect ourselves from becoming ill?
We now have access to immunisation, which is compulsory in children to prevent severe disease.
The child is vaccinated from the age of 2 months and after the 3rd dose the protection is 80-90%. Babies up to 2 months are protected through the immunity of the mother, who transmits her antibodies through the placenta.
Vaccination for pertussis: does it protect the newborn?
In Poland, since 2016, recommendations for the vaccination of pregnant women have appeared in the Programme of Protective Immunization, but they are not mandatory.
Vaccination against pertussis has a multidirectional effect on the protection of the newborn child. It protects first of all the pregnant woman and then the mother, who could potentially infect the baby.
Vaccination during pregnancy against pertussis, photo: panthermedia
In addition, as mentioned earlier, immune antibodies are produced after vaccination and are passed on to the baby through the placenta, providing protection. A final aspect of potential benefit is the secretion of pertussis antibodies in breast milk in women who choose to breastfeed.
All these orientations help to protect the baby in the first months of life against this dangerous disease.
Pertussis: types of vaccine and suggested doses
In Poland, vaccination during pregnancy is recommended from the 28th week of pregnancy. Once immunity has been established and antibodies have been transmitted through the placenta to the baby, the protective period is about 6-7 first weeks, that is, until the baby's first vaccination against pertussis.
There are two preparations on the market for vaccination against pertussis (the so-called acellular vaccine), which also contain vaccination against diphtheria and tetanus. A prescription can be obtained from the GP's office, as well as vaccination in primary care.
Vaccination of babies, photo: panthermedia
One dose of vaccine is sufficient during pregnancy. Vaccination is carried out regardless of a person's vaccination history. Experts believe that vaccination should take place during every pregnancy, as the amount of immune antibodies decreases one year after vaccination.
Vaccination is one of the great achievements of medicine, thanks to which many dangerous diseases can be prevented at every stage of life. By vaccinating during pregnancy, we make it possible to protect the child from the first moments of life according to the so-called cocoon strategy.
