As healthcare professionals, our role extends beyond treating ailments; we are also educators and advocates for preventative care. One of the critical areas where our guidance can make a profound difference is in the prevention of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough in infants. We have seen an increase in pertussis in Ireland and there are ongoing surges elsewhere in Europe. Given the resurgence of this preventable disease, it is imperative that we actively remind parents about the importance of vaccinating their babies against whooping cough.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is particularly dangerous for babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, often leading to severe complications such as pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, and even death.
The best way to protect against pertussis is by getting vaccinated. In Ireland, the pertussis vaccine is recommended between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This is considered to be the best time in pregnancy to provide protection for the baby during the first few months of life. When babies are two, four, and six months of age they are recommended to receive a six in one vaccine which offers protection against pertussis. Vaccines offered in pregnancy and to babies are available for free from GP practices.
A booster dose of pertussis vaccine in the four in one vaccine is offered to children when they are in junior infants along with an MMR vaccine. This is offered by the school vaccination teams (in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal this vaccine is offered through GP practices). An additional booster dose of Tdap vaccine is offered to children when they are in first year of secondary school. School teams have been visiting second level schools across the country to offer this free vaccine to students along with a dose of HPV vaccine and MenACWY vaccine.
As healthcare professionals, we have multiple touchpoints with parents and caregivers during routine check-ups and prenatal visits. These moments provide valuable opportunities to educate and remind parents about the importance of the pertussis vaccination. The resurgence of pertussis across Europe poses a serious threat to the health of infants here in Ireland, but it is a preventable one and by leveraging our trusted positions as healthcare professionals we can effectively educate parents about the critical importance of vaccinating their babies against the disease. We can take every opportunity to advocate for vaccination, ensuring that we protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.
If a child has missed a dose please encourage parents to speak to their GP practice about getting vaccinated.
Pregnant women should also be encouraged to get the Tdap vaccine between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Getting the vaccine means pregnant women will be protected against whooping cough, and this vital immunity will protect their new born baby during their earliest, most vulnerable months before they can be vaccinated themselves. Information is available from immunisation.ie