Is there any point in Tdap...

[~Amy~]

For DH & I if our older son isn't vaxed?  Our second son is due in 3 months and at my last prenatal appointment, the nurse told me that as of Jan 1, our province is recommending (and providing free of charge) the Tdap vaccine for parents with new babies in the house, due to some cases of pertussis in our area.  Now, I'm not even entirely convinced that being vaccinated prevents transmission, but regardless, our older son is not vaccinated and we will not be getting him the vaccine just because we are having a new baby.  While I'm not entirely opposed to vaccines for myself (I've traveled in the developing world and have had lots of vaccines), I'm not terribly excited about being shot up with this immediately post-partum (apparently, I'd be given it before we left the hospital if I decide to get it).  DH doesn't care one way or the other...he'll get it if I want him to, make the appointment for him & remind him when to go.  But honestly, of the three of us, ODS is the one most likely to bring pertussis home from preschool, Y classes, Sunday School, etc, cough all over the baby, wipe his nose on his sleeve, etc.  So, anyway, thoughts?  BTDT?  WWYD?

TIA

[raelize]

as you said, ODS is probably going to be the carrier if someone is going to bring it in.  but there is the chance that you or DH could have it and think you just have a bad cold (which is how it often presents in adults) and not be as cautious with the baby or ODS.  YDS can't get vaxed yet and the under 6 month crowd is when pertussis is most deadly.  i would think the more people who are vaxed around him the better.

there is another pertussis thread lower down in the forum started by Ruthla in which some actual vax prevention rates are posted.  may be worth reading that.