In recent news, a five-week-old infant tragically passed away from whooping cough on June 25th. An epidemiological investigation revealed that the baby’s mother had not been vaccinated against the disease during pregnancy. This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of getting vaccinated against whooping cough during pregnancy, as it can be especially dangerous for children under six months of age and often leads to severe complications and even death.
To prevent the spread of whooping cough, the Ministry of Health is actively working to curb its rise in cases in Israel. Health department employees are conducting interviews with patients diagnosed with whooping cough to identify possible sources of infection and offer guidance on preventing further spread. The Ministry has also adjusted the age at which newborns receive their first whooping cough vaccination at Tipat Halav clinics, bringing it forward from 8 to 6 weeks to provide infants with early protection.
In addition to these efforts, the Ministry is promoting and encouraging vaccination among pregnant women to safeguard both mothers and their babies from this dangerous disease. Women are strongly advised to get vaccinated against whooping cough during the third trimester of pregnancy so that their bodies can produce antibodies that can be passed on to their fetus, providing crucial protection until the baby can receive their own vaccine.
Whooping cough is a serious illness that can lead to severe complications and even death, especially for children under six months of age. It is important for pregnant women to take necessary precautions by getting vaccinated against this disease during pregnancy to ensure their own safety as well as that of their newborns.
