Whooping cough vaccination at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock
Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Although many people associate it primarily with a childhood disease, adolescents and adults can also fall ill. If you want to take care of protection against whooping cough for yourself or your loved ones, we invite you to OpenMed in Warsaw (Wola) and OpenMed in Płock. Our doctors qualify patients for vaccination, explain the principles of prevention and help to choose a suitable time for administering the preparation.
Whooping cough is transmitted by droplets during coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected person. The disease is exceptionally contagious, and its course can be particularly dangerous for infants, pregnant women and people with reduced immunity. Despite mandatory protective vaccinations, illnesses still occur, because immunity gained after vaccination or having the disease gradually decreases over time. Therefore, booster vaccinations are also important in adulthood.
Why is it worth getting vaccinated against whooping cough?
The first symptoms of whooping cough resemble a common upper respiratory tract infection. However, over time bouts of intense coughing develop, which can last for many weeks. In some patients they lead to sleep disturbances, weakening of the body, chest muscle pain and even complications requiring hospital treatment.
Vaccination is the most effective method of prevention. It allows the risk of contracting the disease to be reduced, and in case of infection it can ease the course of the disease. Of particular importance is the protection of people in contact with infants, who in the first months of life are most exposed to a severe course of whooping cough.
Who should consider vaccination?
Vaccination against whooping cough is recommended for adults as part of booster doses, especially if many years have passed since the last vaccination. An important group are also pregnant women, people planning contact with a newborn and healthcare workers.
The most common indications include:
- booster dose in adults to maintain immunity,
- pregnancy and preparation for the birth of a baby,
- contact with infants and small children,
- work in healthcare, education or childcare.
Vaccination of pregnant women is most often recommended between the 27th and 36th week. Thanks to this, maternal antibodies cross the placenta and help to protect the newborn in the first months of life, before they can receive their own protective vaccinations. Research and recommendations of Polish and international scientific societies confirm the safety of this approach.
What does qualification for whooping cough vaccination at OpenMed look like?
Before the administration of the vaccine, a medical consultation is carried out. Our doctors take a history regarding health status, previous illnesses, previous vaccinations and any contraindications. The aim of the visit is to confirm that the vaccination can be performed safely and in accordance with current recommendations.
The administration of the vaccine itself takes a few minutes and does not require special preparation. After vaccination, the patient can return to daily activities. As with other vaccinations, temporary local reactions may occur, such as pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, which usually resolve spontaneously.
Whooping cough vaccination and pregnancy
In recent years, particular attention has been paid to the importance of whooping cough vaccinations in pregnant women. The protection of the newborn gained through antibodies passed by the mother is one of the most effective ways of limiting severe illnesses in the youngest children. Current recommendations emphasise that the Tdap vaccine should be administered in every pregnancy, regardless of previous whooping cough vaccinations.
If you are planning a whooping cough vaccination in Warsaw or in Płock, we invite you to OpenMed. Telephone and online registration - the OpenMed team will help you choose a convenient time for consultation and vaccination.
FAQ Whooping cough vaccination at OpenMed
Yes. Immunity after vaccination or having the disease weakens over time, so booster doses are recommended for adults.
The most commonly recommended time falls between the 27th and 36th week of pregnancy. This allows for effective transfer of antibodies to the baby before delivery.
Yes. Available research and recommendations confirm the safety of the Tdap vaccine for the pregnant woman and the developing baby.
Immunity gradually decreases over time, so booster vaccinations are recommended in accordance with current recommendations.
Yes. Each vaccination is preceded by a medical qualification, during which the doctor assesses the state of health and excludes contraindications to the administration of the preparation.