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How Long Is Pertussis Vaccine Effective?
Question: One of my students exposed me to whooping cough. I need to know whether or not it's worth my time and effort to go get an update on the shot. Does the vaccine last into adulthood? Also, is it even effective after having been exposed to it?
Brief Answer:
Please find pertiussis vaccine guidelines in adults given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing into health care magic.
This is Dr.Riyanka, glad to answer your query.
Please find my observations below
1. Whooping cough or pertussis vaccine is available for adolescents and adults as Tdap or Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis.
2. Adolescents 11 through 18 years of age (preferably at age 11-12 years) should receive a single dose of Tdap.
3. One dose of Tdap is also recommended for adults 19 years of age and older who did not get Tdap as an adolescent.
4. Pregnant women should get a Tdap vaccine shot during every pregnancy irrespective of the number of shots taken earlier.
5. If there is close contact with a pertusis child at home then other family members might be recommended a short course of antibiotics if they have not been vaccinated. As a teacher, you do no come under the group at risk for whom a post exposure prophylaxis with antibiotics is required to be given.
6. As vaccines are not 100 percent protective, should you have any symptoms of cough in the next two weeks then please consult your doctors.
If there are any more clarifications kindly write back to me.
You will get well soon. Please don't worry.
Thank you,
Dr.Riyanka
Please find pertiussis vaccine guidelines in adults given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing into health care magic.
This is Dr.Riyanka, glad to answer your query.
Please find my observations below
1. Whooping cough or pertussis vaccine is available for adolescents and adults as Tdap or Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis.
2. Adolescents 11 through 18 years of age (preferably at age 11-12 years) should receive a single dose of Tdap.
3. One dose of Tdap is also recommended for adults 19 years of age and older who did not get Tdap as an adolescent.
4. Pregnant women should get a Tdap vaccine shot during every pregnancy irrespective of the number of shots taken earlier.
5. If there is close contact with a pertusis child at home then other family members might be recommended a short course of antibiotics if they have not been vaccinated. As a teacher, you do no come under the group at risk for whom a post exposure prophylaxis with antibiotics is required to be given.
6. As vaccines are not 100 percent protective, should you have any symptoms of cough in the next two weeks then please consult your doctors.
If there are any more clarifications kindly write back to me.
You will get well soon. Please don't worry.
Thank you,
Dr.Riyanka
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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