Collin County has a very large number of people who do not believe in childhood immunizations. Since opening this practice in Frisco, three of the babies delivered developed Whooping Cough (Pertussis) as a result of exposure to unvaccinated individuals. All were put on ventilators at Children’s Hospital and were lucky to survive. Since implementing routine vaccination during pregnancy, only one baby has been hospitalized: a child whose parents chose not to vaccinate and also contracted Pertussis.
The Whooping Cough (Pertussis) vaccine also contains Tetanus and Diphtheria coverage. It is an inactive (no live virus), preservative-free vaccination. For children, it is referred to as DTaP and in adults as TDaP. The childhood vaccine requires 5 injections and takes 6 months to establish immunity, leaving a 6-month window of susceptibility for your healthy newborn.
For pregnant women, vaccination is recommended during the 3rd trimester of each pregnancy. The antibodies created by vaccination pass on immunity to the baby in the womb. The TDaP vaccine for adults should be given to significant others and caregivers (i.e. grandparents, nannies, etc.) who are around newborns or pregnant women. A booster is given every ten years to adults.
All insurance carriers in the United States cover vaccinations, per the Affordable Care Act, with zero co-pay or out-of-pocket expense. Our office will gladly administer the vaccine to anyone who will be in contact with your baby. Children receive their last booster at 9-10 years of age.