NPR: Experts Fear Whooping Cough Vaccine’s Shield Is ‘Waning’

Some 77 percent of children and adolescents who got whooping cough in Washington State last year were up to date on their required shots.

This is consistent with another study in California last year, which found new booster shots lost their potency after three years.

So what’s next? Hayes says that the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention is going to examine more immunization records and figure out exactly how long the DTap vaccine works. Then they can decide if more frequent booster shots are required.  Read More

Dr. Jay’s Note:  Other research centered around recent outbreaks have concluded that whooping cough infections are MORE common among children already vaccinated against whooping cough than unvaccinated children.

The National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) encourages the pubic to become fully informed about whooping cough disease and pertussis vaccine. Also, speak with one or more trusted health care professionals, one who will respect whatever decision you make, before making a decision about vaccination.