Whooping cough, a disease caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria, can affect people of all ages. However, it is most commonly seen in children. This acute infectious disease is transmitted through the respiratory tract and can lead to severe complications, especially in young children. It is characterized by gradually increasing coughs that can be severe enough to cause fractures and vomiting. Complications like respiratory failure, pneumonia, and encephalitis can occur, with younger children at higher risk of complications.
Despite the availability of a combined shot against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus for pregnant women, many women still believe there is no vaccine for them. Dr. Nguyen Le Nga, Medical Manager of VNVC Vaccination System, has observed an increase in cases of whooping cough in Vietnam due to reduced vaccination rates among adults and children alike. The Department of Preventive Medicine predicts that this trend will continue as more people become unvaccinated or under-vaccinated against the disease.
One common misconception about whooping cough is that once children receive the full vaccination regimen, they are immune to the disease for life and do not need booster shots. However, vaccines provide protection for a limited time only. Without booster shots, the risk of infection remains high among both adults and children who have received their initial dose or series of doses. Reputable health organizations recommend booster shots for children at different ages and adults every 10 years to protect against whooping cough and other diseases.
It is important for both pregnant women and adults to stay up to date with their vaccinations against whooping cough to protect themselves from serious complications associated with the disease. Pregnant women should get vaccinated during the 2nd or 3rd trimester to protect themselves as well as their newborns from developing whooping cough or other related illnesses.
In conclusion, misconceptions about whooping cough and vaccines still persist among many people in Vietnam despite efforts by healthcare providers to educate them about its dangers and importance in preventing its spread through immunization programs like VNVC Vaccination System
