Our ObGyn practice has just experienced our first patient whose 3 month old baby developed Whooping Cough (Pertussis) here in Frisco, TX. For those not familiar with this condition, it is a scary bacterial infection that initially starts out like any other cold but quickly leads to coughing spells that in children can cause them to stop breathing or turn blue, these same symptoms can apply for infected adults. It also can progress to pneumonia and require hospitalization. Medically, up until 3 years ago, there was no vaccine for adults, just for children.

The childhood vaccine requires 5 injections and takes 6 months to establish immunity. The Tdap vaccine for adults should be given to significant others and caregivers who are around current or future newborns. A booster is given every ten years to adults. Our office will gladly administer the vaccine to anyone in contact with your baby, just call. Children receive their last booster at 9-10 years of age.

Look for a more detailed article on the website soon.