Whooping Cough Vaccine Recommended for All Pregnant Women
Vaccines aren't often recommended for pregnant women but government experts want them to get a whooping cough vaccination as soon as possible.
Pregnant women are at greater risk for many infectious diseases not only because of their own immune system but also the baby they carry. Because of the exchange of blood between mother and fetus, infections can reach a baby before they're born.
But it also means immunizations can protect a baby who is too young to be vaccinated and that's the intent behind this recommendation.
The news come from Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices which approved the recommendation on Wednesday, reports NBC News.
That panel's advice is often adopted by federal officials who send it on to doctors and the public to inform that about important immunization updates.
The advice comes in response to the high number of cases of whooping cough reported this year. So far 16 people have died from the disease and thousands have been infected, reports Fox News.
Newborns can't be vaccinated against the disease but their mothers can which could help prevent infection.
Vaccinations are rarely recommended for pregnant women because of the risk that they could harm the fetus. While an adult immune system can cope with a weakened disease, a newly formed immune system can't. But in this case the benefits of immunization outweigh the risks.
For women who are pregnant, ask your health care provider if a whooping cough vaccination is a good idea. It could be vital for your baby.
Every woman hopes for a doctor who will care for her correctly during her pregnancy. But in some unfortunate cases that doesn't happen. If you're the victim of a negligent OB-GYN, it might be a good idea to get an attorney on your side.
This is only the second time a vaccination has been recommended for women during pregnancy, according to Fox News. The other recommended immunization is a flu shot.
Related Resources:
- Vaccines during pregnancy: Are they safe? (Mayo Clinic)
- Immunization Programs (FindLaw's LawBrain)
- Whooping Cough Vaccine Stops Working After 3 Years: Study (FindLaw's Common Law)