Common Misconceptions About Pertussis

Misconceptions about vaccines, such as the belief that there is no vaccine for pregnant women or that adults do not need booster vaccinations, are still common. These misunderstandings can lead to incorrect prevention of diseases, increasing the risk of conditions like whooping cough. Dr. Nguyen Le Nga, Medical Manager of VNVC Vaccination System, notes that while whooping cough cases have decreased in Vietnam due to vaccination programs, there has been an increase in cases this year. The Department of Preventive Medicine predicts further cases due to reduced vaccination rates.

Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria, is a serious infectious disease that can cause severe complications, especially in young children. The disease is transmitted through the respiratory tract and manifests as severe coughing fits that can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. Vaccination during pregnancy can help protect both the mother and newborn from whooping cough, as infants under 3 months are particularly vulnerable to severe illness.

Despite receiving full vaccination, it is important for children and adults to receive booster shots containing pertussis components at different stages of life to ensure ongoing protection. Adults can also get whooping cough and may unknowingly spread the disease to vulnerable family members. Receiving timely vaccinations against diseases like whooping cough is crucial for protecting individual health, as well as contributing to community immunity.