Boostrix Vaccine
It is also known as ‘whooping cough’. The incubation period ranges from 4 – 21 days, usually 7 – 10 days. The infected person may initially have non-specific symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and mild cough. The cough gradually becomes more severe and spells of violent coughing can interfere with eating, drinking and breathing. The bacteria can cause lung infection, and even lead to seizures and coma in severe cases.
Pregnant women advised receiving the Boostrix vaccine
In general, the morbidity and mortality of pertussis are highest in infants. In recent years, upsurge of pertussis cases has been observed in different countries despite high vaccination coverage. A similar situation has also been observed in Hong Kong with marked increases in the annual number of reported cases since 2017.
Pregnant women are recommended to receive one dose of acellular Boostrix -containing vaccine at any time in the second or third trimester, preferably before 35 weeks of gestation during each pregnancy as part of routine antenatal care regardless of previous vaccination and natural infection history against pertussis. This will provide direct protection for infants against pertussis through the transplacental transfer of vaccine-induced antibodies from the mother before they receive pertussis vaccination.
Babies infected with pertussis from their infected caregivers
Babies usually contract pertussis via direct contact with or droplet transmission from their infected caregivers who may initially have non-specific symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and mild cough. Hence, they may not know they have pertussis and can end up spreading it to the babies who have close contact with them. Except for pregnant women, caregivers of babies also need to receive the Boostrix vaccine 2 weeks before direct contact with the infants.
Prevention
Maintain good personal hygiene and perform hand hygiene frequently
Maintain good environmental hygiene and avoid crowded places
Active immunisation with the Boostrix vaccine is an effective way to prevent the disease.
Parents or caregivers of infants are advised to take the Boostrix vaccine to avoid infecting the infants.
Recommended for
People aged 50 or above
People with Weakened Immunity
People with chronic health problems (such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Pregnant women (during the second or third gestation)
Postpartum women (not receive the Boostrix vaccine during pregnancy)
Caregivers of new born babies (including domestic helpers, postmen, grandparents, parents)
Healthcare Professionals
People who have not received any Boostrix vaccine in the past 10 years