Vaccination Crucial in Preventing Infant Deaths: Jerusalem Tragedy Highlights Importance of Prenatal Immunizations Against Whooping Cough and Tetanus

A recent tragedy in Jerusalem has highlighted the importance of vaccination after a five-week-old baby passed away due to whooping cough. The mother was not vaccinated during pregnancy, and the baby was too young to receive the vaccine. Typically, the first dose is given at two months old, but it can be administered earlier in cases of an outbreak. However, it is not effective before that age. To protect younger babies, it is crucial to vaccinate pregnant mothers between weeks 27 and 36. This vaccine increases antibody levels against pertussis in the mother’s blood, which then pass through the placenta to protect the fetus until it is ready for the active vaccine.

This incident marks the third case of a baby dying from whooping cough since the outbreak began in early 2023. Pertussis is deadly for unvaccinated infants, with about one percent dying from the disease. The wave of morbidity has been widespread in Israel, with over 500 new patients reported in May alone. It is crucial to protect children through vaccination during pregnancy and following routine vaccination protocols.

Another serious disease, tetanus, also affected a seven-year-old girl in Netanya who was not vaccinated. Tetanus is not contagious from person to person but contracted through exposure to bacteria in soil or dust. The tetanus vaccine is given alongside pertussis in early childhood and recommended booster shots for continued protection against this severe disease that causes muscle spasms, paralysis and even death despite treatment being available.

Routine vaccinations in Israel include protection against diphtheria, polio, HIB and other diseases like West Nile fever and an increase in coronavirus cases across the country. Those at risk should take preventive measures such as avoiding mosquito bites and practicing caution in crowded areas to prevent illness. Vaccination remains a key tool in preventing serious diseases and protecting public health.

The tragic incident serves as a reminder of how important it is to prioritize vaccinations for both adults and children during pregnancy and beyond infancy to ensure their health and wellbeing.