do I need pertussis vaccine?

cittycat

My doc hasn't mentioned it.  I got flu and H1N1 vaccines in March or so.  Thanks.

Mrs.Johns

Yes, but after the baby is born. It contains a live virus so you have to wait. They can just do it at the hospital.

pinkiemo

Yep, but like Mrs.J said, you have to wait.  My hospital offers it in postpartum.

craftynurse

You should also get another flu shot as they update them each season and the one coming out now is for the anticipated new season.

LitchfieldMom

Im allergic to it lol

CinemaGoddess

Are you guys talking about a whole new vaccine or a booster?

pinkiemo

I was talking about a tdap booster.

Mrs.Johns

cinema_goddess:

Are you guys talking about a whole new vaccine or a booster?

They normally only give the booster to adults but if you never had a DTaP before it doesn't make much sense to get a booster. I tried getting my H the regular vaccine but they didn't have it at his doc's office so he was stuck with the booster.

There are questions as to how effective the booster is vs the actual full vaccine in adults. Supposedly the full one lasts longer while the booster wears off in a few years. That's what I read anyway.

ETA: They can also do a blood test to see if you are immune if you don't want to get the shot.

skyejo

I'm very catious with vaccines (for myself and baby) and even I think that the pertussis vac is a must have for the parents.  My hospital offers it to new moms after the baby is born, but your SO will have to get it from his doc's office. 

lulu3061

There were new guidelines that came out on September 1st (I think) that recommend getting the vaccine/booster in the 3rd trimester in high risk areas like California.  Anyone else is still immediately following birth.

 https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/preg-guide.htm#women

 https://www.eziz.org/PDF/CDPH%20Pertussis%20Immunization%20Policy%20July%202010.pdf

CinemaGoddess

Mrs.Johns:

cinema_goddess:

Are you guys talking about a whole new vaccine or a booster?

They normally only give the booster to adults but if you never had a DTaP before it doesn't make much sense to get a booster. I tried getting my H the regular vaccine but they didn't have it at his doc's office so he was stuck with the booster.

There are questions as to how effective the booster is vs the actual full vaccine in adults. Supposedly the full one lasts longer while the booster wears off in a few years. That's what I read anyway.

ETA: They can also do a blood test to see if you are immune if you don't want to get the shot.

Ok.  I thought maybe after the outbreaks in CA and ID there was a new vaccine coming on the market or something.  I had the old vaccine (with boosters) when I was younger, but I haven't had a booster in years. 

utlawgirl

lulu3061:

There were new guidelines that came out on September 1st (I think) that recommend getting the vaccine/booster in the 3rd trimester in high risk areas like California.  Anyone else is still immediately following birth.

 https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/preg-guide.htm#women

 https://www.eziz.org/PDF/CDPH%20Pertussis%20Immunization%20Policy%20July%202010.pdf

This.  It depends on where you live.  If you're in a low-risk area, wait until after the baby is born.  If you're in an area with an ongoing outbreak (like I am), it's recommended that you get the vaccine during pregnancy.  in fact, I just got mine this morning.  The reason to get it now rather than waiting (and believe me, I agonized over this) is that it takes 4 weeks to build up immunity once you get it.  Probably fine in a low-risk area, but for me that would mean not going out in public for 4 weeks after the baby is born.

spark&echo

I got it.  I live in an outbreak area, though, and I'm not birthing at a hospital where it would be available immediately after the baby is born.  Not sure if the other ladies in this thread are talking about something different, but I had three doctors confirm that the Tdap booster is not a live vaccine.

TiggerLuv80

spark&echo:

I got it.  I live in an outbreak area, though, and I'm not birthing at a hospital where it would be available immediately after the baby is born.  Not sure if the other ladies in this thread are talking about something different, but I had three doctors confirm that the Tdap booster is not a live vaccine.

This is what I had heard also... I also live in an outbreak area and got the vaccine during the 3rd tri as well. 

8yearslater

I ripped off my big toenail in 2001 with the corner of the door to my office, and had to get the tetanus booster then.  I suppose I still need the Tdap since it's been almost 10 years...

For those who had it, does it behave the same way the tetanus booster does, with the really bad soreness/stiffness in the injection muscle that lasts for too long? 

Of course, if I need it, I'll definitely get it. A few days of discomfort is nothing compared to the risks of becoming a carrier of pertussis for my baby.  I'd just like to know if it's going to make me all cranky because I can't move my arm for a few days (my typical reaction to the tetanus booster... I'm sensitive like that.) 

I'm hoping for a kinder, gentler vaccine, but I'm not holding out hope...