New insights reveal that the effectiveness of the whooping cough vaccine is declining, posing risks for infant health and emphasizing the need for updated vaccination strategies, especially during pregnancy.
- Recent studies indicate that the whooping cough vaccines effectiveness diminishes within a few years, particularly affecting child populations who are most vulnerable to the Bordetella pertussis bacteria.
- Health experts recommend that pregnant women receive the vaccination to protect newborns from whooping cough, as infants are at the highest risk for severe complications from the disease.
- Between 2015 and 2023, reported cases of whooping cough surged, highlighting the urgent need for improved vaccine strategies to combat the rise of this infectious disease.
Why It Matters
The declining effectiveness of the whooping cough vaccine raises concerns about public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like infants and pregnant women. Understanding these trends is crucial for developing effective vaccination policies to safeguard against outbreaks.