protect your baby against whooping cough

[Deborah]

http://www.catholic.org/prwire/headline.php?ID=8515

“When I learned that many babies who get pertussis catch it from their parents, and how easy it is for adults to get vaccinated, I was shocked,” said Ms. Lopez. “New and expectant parents have so many things to worry about. Getting pertussis themselves, or possibly spreading the disease to their own children, shouldn’t be one of them. I felt it was urgent to let parents know how important it is that they get vaccinated against pertussis to protect themselves and to help keep their babies safe from this dangerous disease,” she added.

and so on and so forth

[jessafina]

I had contemplated getting vaccinated for pertussis so as to hopefully help protect my unvaxed DS, but my understanding is that you can still carry pertussis when vaccinated, you just don't get the symptoms. Anyone know if this is true?

[Deborah]

Yes, it seems to be. The vaccine works against the toxin which is produced by the bacteria, it doesn't protect directly against the bacteria. So your body can be carrying the bacteria. As the article points out, pertussis in adults can be mild and not present with the usual symptoms. The vaccine can have the same result, so in some ways getting the vaccine could add to the risk. If you feel protected, you'll assume that your weird little cough couldn't possibly be pertussis and won't get it checked. If you've been vaxed the doctor may make the same assumption if you do come in just in case.

I think at the moment, the best option is to be aware of the symptoms and how to treat in an infant. Plus limiting exposure to the outside world, if feasible, for the first two or three weeks after the baby arrives. Personally, I think a bit of peace and quiet is nice for both mom and baby.

[bbrandonsmom]

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...whooping+cough

Here's one thread of mdc about the virus. There was a real good one talking about the effectiveness of the vaccine, breastfeeding etc, but I can't find it. I think, inside vaccines has info on the adult version of the P vax? They do have some good info on the childhood one.

[nataliachick7]

This is ridiculous considering studies show the vax does not prevent transmission.
Anything to make a buck!