November 2010 Dr. Mama Question
Dear Dr. Mama,
I’ve been following the whooping cough epidemic in California for some months now, and after the most recent death I’m even more worried.
We are caring for our beautiful little Angel guy who is 3 months old with a history of drug exposure (marijuana and amphetamines). There have been a few hiccups since he came to us, but overall he’s a pretty healthy guy. He’s had his first set of immunizations, but I know that’s not enough to protect him completely.
What else can I do?
Nervous in North County
Dear Nervous,
It is nerve wracking to watch the news and hear stories about babies who are dying from a preventable illness. It makes us feel helpless and afraid, especially when we’re responsible for a tiny life and are determined to do the right thing.
The most important thing you can do is what you’re already doing – make sure your little guy gets his immunizations on time. That’s his most important protection. And you’re right, it’s not enough.
The babies who have died have all been under 3 months old and not fully protected by the pertussis vaccine. They were exposed to the infection by someone in the community who was also not protected. Chances are, that person was either an unimmunized child or teen, or an adult whose protection had waned. Protection from the pertussis vaccine does not last a lifetime.
The immunity wears off over time and pertussis booster vaccine rates in teens and adults are low. As a result, pertussis (whooping cough) continues to be a big problem in California, and young infants who haven’t yet completed their shots are at risk. So the California Public Health Department is recommending that all children and adults, especially those in contact with infants, be immunized.
This means you, hubby, your other children, babysitters, Grandma, friends who may be in close contact with your little guy – all those loved ones in your life. Talk to your pediatrician and your own doctor about how to make this happen, and keep talking to all the other adults you know. We need to stop this epidemic in its tracks, and that means we all have to do our part.
If any one of us knew we could save a child’s life by making sure our own immunizations were up to date, wouldn’t we?
Finally, there are some common-sense steps you can take to keep your kiddo healthy. Keep a safe distance from anyone who’s coughing or sneezing. Practice frequent hand washing and insist that others who are around the baby to do the same. Discourage those who have cold symptoms from visiting, because what may seem like a mild respiratory infection in an adult could be whooping cough.
For more details about immunization recommendations, go to the California Department of Public Health at http://eziz.org/PDF/CDPH%20Pertussis%20Immunization%20Policy%20July%202010.pdf.
Thank you for highlighting this important issue!
~ Dr. Mama
