Protect Babies From Whooping Cough: Things Parents Should Know

This blog post is brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Immediately after the birth of my youngest son, my doctor advised me to get the Whooping Cough vaccine. On the inside, I groaned at this suggestion: Just when I thought all the hard birthing stuff was over, now I have to get a shot. But, I love my doctor and completely trust her advice. She told me Whooping Cough (aka Pertussis) cases were on the rise and I should protect my baby’s health by getting the whooping cough vaccine.

In fact, anyone who was going to be around the baby – dad, grandparents and siblings – should be up to date on their vaccines. Most babies who get Whooping Cough are infected by someone around them.

The increase in the number of people getting Whooping Cough has been in the news a lot lately. I know a lot more about this disease now. Even though the facts can be scary, every parent should know the basics about Whooping Cough and who should be vaccinated.

1. Whooping Cough is a disease that affects the lungs. It causes violent and uncontrollable coughing fits that can make breathing difficult.
2. Early Symptoms of Whooping Cough are similar to a cold. Runny nose, sneezing, low grade fever and a cough that can progress from mild to severe.
3. Whooping Cough is extremely contagious. This disease spreads from person-to-person through the respiratory droplets released from coughing and sneezing.
4. Women who are pregnant should get the Whooping Cough vaccine in their 3rd trimester to pass protection on to the baby. Anyone who is around the baby should make sure their vaccines are up to date. This includes grandparents.
5. Whooping Cough and its complications are dangerous for infants. About half of babies  under 1 year with whooping cough need to be hospitalized. Whooping Cough can lead to serious complications and even death, especially for infants under six months. This is why it is so important to take precautions that will protect them.

As a mom, I never felt uncomfortable asking people to wash their hands before holding my baby. No one wants to bring germs around a baby, right? I would also ask anyone who was not feeling well to kindly stay away from my home. My friends and family members understood “the rules” and were happy to follow them.

I respect other parents’ wishes about who gets to be around their baby, too. So my point is: Don’t feel bad asking anyone who is around your baby to make sure they are up to date on their Whooping Cough immunizations. It is important to protect babies from whooping cough.

Where To Get the Whooping Cough Vaccine:

Visit a Walgreens pharmacy to get the Whooping Cough vaccine. No appointment is necessary. Vaccines subject to availability. State-, age- and health-related restrictions may apply. When you get any immunization (except flu) at Walgreens, you could help save a child’s life through the Get a Shot. Give a Shot.® program.

Get a Shot. Give a Shot.®

Walgreens has partnered with the United Nations Foundation for the Shot@Life initiative. For every immunization you receive, they will help provide a lifesaving vaccine to a child in need. Donation currently valid for non-flu vaccinations. Aggregate donation of up to $1 million.

This worldwide effort has helped reduce cases of childhood diseases, including measles and polio. Join the effort by getting your immunization at Walgreens. Shots are covered my most insurance, including Medicare. Learn more at walgreens.com/getashot

The Walgreens mobile app (available for iPhone and Android devices) can give you personalized recommendations about immunizations your family needs.

Are you an expectant mother or have a baby at home? Are you and your family members, including grandparents, up to date on the Whooping Cough immunization?