A 47-year-old member asked:
I'm wondering why are babies vaccinated against whooping cough when they are a few months old?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
To avoid death: The newborn will not develop protective antibodies to whooping cough if immunized at birth & maternal antibodies are usually weak. However, it begins to have that ability by 6-8 weeks when the first vaccine is given.Whooping cough fatalities are >60% in infants under 6 months of age.The young can develop progressive respiratory distress & cough hard enough to have a stroke.You shouldn't wait.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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A 49-year-old member asked:
For what reason are babies vaccinated against whooping cough when they are a few months old?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
To avoid death: Antibodies derived from mom during pregnancy are thought to interfere with a babies ability to make active antibodies before 6-8 weeks when we start most vaccines.The pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine is started at 6-8 wks to start building protection. Pertussis is most deadly to infants.More than 60% of fatalities are under 6 months of age and 80% under a year.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 21, 2015
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