It’s National Immunization Awareness Month, and that means doctors, medical personnel, and local authorities are working hard trying to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines. One of the important vaccines every adult should consider getting this year, if they haven’t gotten it recently, is the Whooping Cough or Pertussis booster shot.
Why is it important to get a Pertussis booster shot?
Pertussis can easily be spread to infants before they have time to be immunized against the illness. Pertussis, while uncomfortable but not particularly threatening to adults, can be quite difficult for newborns/infants to fight off.
Even if you were vaccinated against Pertussis as a child, you should still consider getting the booster shot. Current recommendations are that you should get a booster shot approximately every ten years. You may not need to get a booster shot if you have actually suffered from Pertussis, as this also helps build your immunity to the disease, but double check with your doctor.
If you are going to have contact with newborns or infants, you might be asked if you are up to date on your Pertussis immunization. Many hospitals strongly recommend that new parents monitor all visitors for Pertussis vaccinations, so don’t be offended if some new parents ask you get the shot before you meet their child.
Why? Pertussis isn’t dangerous?
Pertussis is not necessarily dangerous to adults, but it can be devastating to small children. By getting a booster shot, you are increasing herd immunity, and increasing the chances that a newborn infant will not be exposed to the disease. Lately there have been huge Pertussis outbreaks in areas like Washington State and New York where rates of Pertussis have increased almost 10 fold in some areas. This is a sign that herd immunity is weakening. A simple booster shot by as many adults as possible can bring these numbers down.
Where to get a Pertussis vaccination?
You can get a booster shot at your local doctor’s office or health department. They are not particularly expensive and only take a few minutes. There are also very few side effects, and you aren’t ‘contagious,’ so you only need to take five minutes out of your day. Some pharmacies also offer the shot. I have seen booster campaigns in Time Square and other public areas where for a few dollars you can get your booster shot right then and there. If you have any concerns you should always discuss them with your doctor.
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