Is it time for your Tdap booster shot?

Three weeks ago, this newspaper’s front-page headline read, “Pertussis cases increase in region.” And it’s not only in our region. Throughout the country the numbers of people contracting pertussis, aka whooping cough, have skyrocketed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 14,569 cases of pertussis so far this year. Compare that to the 3,475 cases in 2023. 

Why the increase? There are a few reasons. One is that during COVID, people distanced themselves and protected themselves from others who may have contracted all sorts of viruses and bacterial infections. Another thought is that because we quarantined, our natural immunity has been compromised. 

But the most likely reason is that we have either never been vaccinated or we need a booster shot to protect us from three diseases which are tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap). The good news is that it’s never too late.  

The CDC says that everyone over the age of 7 — babies get a different vaccine — should get a Tdap booster every 10 years. That’s assuming you’re not ill and have never experienced a severe reaction to a Tdap vaccine, nor have or had Guillain-Barré syndrome. 

“People who are pregnant should get a Tdap shot during the early part of their third trimester of pregnancy. The vaccine helps protect your baby from whooping cough until they’re old enough to get their own vaccine. Whooping cough can be a life-threatening disease for your baby,” Cleveland Clinic officials says on their website. 

Before we talk any further, let’s take a quick look at the diseases it prevents. We’ll start with pertussis.  

“Whooping cough is a respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The disease is only found in humans,” The CDC explains. “Whooping cough bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system. The bacteria release toxins (poisons), which damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.” 

It often starts out like a common cold, but then can progress to rapid, violent and uncontrolled coughing. These coughing fits can cause people to vomit, feel very tired, have difficulty sleeping, and actually break a rib. Struggling to breathe may occur. Babies may not cough at all, but they may have life-threatening pauses in breathing. 

“One to two weeks after the first symptoms start, people may develop paroxysms, known as coughing fits. These coughing fits usually last one to six weeks but can last for up to ten weeks. The cough generally gets worse and becomes more common as the illness continues,” the CDC says. 

Diphtheria is a serious, potentially deadly, bacterial infection that is extremely rare in the United States thanks to vaccinations. It usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Symptoms include a thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils; a sore throat and hoarseness; swollen glands in the neck; difficulty or rapid breathing; nasal discharge; fever and chills; tiredness. 

Mayo says to “call your family doctor immediately if you or your child has been exposed to someone with diphtheria. If you’re not sure whether your child has been vaccinated against diphtheria, schedule an appointment. Make sure your own vaccinations are current.” 

Tetanus, thanks to vaccines, is also fairly rare, but not as rare as diphtheria. Tetanus is caused by bacterium, Clostridium tetani, which is naturally present in soil, saliva, dust, and manure. We’ve all heard about stepping on a rusty nail, but any cut, burn or puncture wound that exposes you to tetanus can be problematic. 

Tetanus is a life-threatening disease with no cure. Symptoms begin gradually and then progressively worsen over two weeks. Mayo explains that they usually start in the jaw and progress downward on the body. 

“Progression of tetanus results in repeated painful, seizure-like spasms that last for several minutes. Usually, the neck and back arch, the legs become rigid, the arms are drawn up to the body, and the fists are clenched. Muscle rigidity in the neck and abdomen may cause breathing difficulties,” Mayo officials say. 

Okay, so what’s the point? It’s the end of the needle that will give you protection from these three dreadful diseases. You can get your Tdap at the same time as your COVID booster and flu shot. It’s that time of year. Get on it. 

Kathy Hubbard is a member of Bonner General Health Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.