We would like our patients and their friends and families to be aware of an updated recommendation regarding the vaccination for pertussis, commonly known as “whooping cough”, during pregnancies.

In October 2012, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend that health care personnel should administer a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy irrespective of the patient’s prior history of receiving Tdap. To maximize the maternal antibody response and passive antibody transfer to the infant, optimal timing for Tdap administration is between 27 and 36 weeks gestation.

We agree with this recommendation and wish to remind all our pregnant patients that the Tdap vaccination should be administered during each pregnancy, even if you’ve received it in the past. Spouses, close relatives and other caregivers for your new baby should also receive the Tdap at least 2 weeks before coming into contact with the infant. Local pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS can administer the Tdap vaccine and no prescription or orders are needed from a doctor.

For more details on pertussis and the reason for this recommendation you may visit the CDC’s website at:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/tdap-pregnancy-hcp.htm

If you have further questions, please discuss them with the doctor or nurse practitioner at your next prenatal visit.