Pregnant & wondering about Pertussis vax for pre-schooler

[awallrising]

Wondering if anyone has an opinion (other than no vax ever for any reason) on my concern about having a 3.5 year old pre-schooler becoming exposed to Pertussis & infecting a newborn.  Pertussis is one of the few diseases vaccinated for that is actually a life-threatening disease to newborns.  Other non-vax preschoolers have newborn siblings with no problems, but do I want to take that chance?

If it were a matter just getting the Pertussis vaccine, I'd get it for him.  But I can't see the point of getting Tetanus & Diptheria too.  It's insane that the 1 "real" disease threat isn't available by itself....or maybe it's a plan?

[cdmommie]

As a mother who just watched her little girl suffer through pertussis, I highly recommend having ALL household members and caregivers vaccinated for pertussis.  My daughter is one and a half and it was BAD, so I can't even imagine a newborn suffering though whooping cough. And it IS a real threat in the United States right now. There are several Vaxes that I don't believe are needed and some that I think are worth it, but at a delayed age.  However, pertussis is not one I believe is safe to delay or skip.

[KempsMama]

There's been some research lately that suggests 2 out of 3 infected with pertussis were fully vaccinated in the San Diego area.  Not worth the risks in my opinion.

[cdmommie]

for us, the more up to date on vaxes the person was, the less severe the sickness was.  I don't know if that is how it is for everyone, but for my family, that's what happened.