PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s obstetricians and paediatricians are encouraging expectant mothers to receive the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy to protect newborns from pertussis, also known as the “100-day cough”.
The vaccine is provided free of charge for every pregnancy at 28 to 32 weeks gestation in government clinics, and is also available in university hospitals, private hospitals and private clinics for a fee.
Consultant paediatrician and technical committee chairman of Immunise4Life programme Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail said that pertussis affects young infants, especially those under 5 months old.
“When infected, these babies can develop intense and uncontrollable coughing that makes it difficult for them to breathe, sometimes causing their lips or skin to turn blue due to a lack of oxygen.
“In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and even death,” he said in a statement issued by Immunise4Life today.
He added that in 2023, 43.8 per cent of pertussis cases in Malaysia involved infants below five months old, while 43 deaths linked to the disease were reported in the same age group.
Dr Zulkifli said the danger often comes from those closest to the baby, as infected adults and older children may show only mild symptoms or none at all.
“The bacterium resides in the mouth, nose and throat of infected individuals. The infection can be passed on by parents, siblings, caregivers, even elderly grandparents and healthcare providers,” he said.
Meanwhile, consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist (Fetomaternal) and president of the Perinatal Society Malaysia Professor Dr Jamiyah Hassan stressed that this is why Tdap immunisation during pregnancy was introduced to fill the gap.
“When pregnant mothers receive their Tdap immunisation, their bodies produce protective antibodies that are passed to their babies through the placenta.
“This gives the baby protection from birth, during those first critical months. This protection is highly effective,” she said.
She added that Tdap immunisation during pregnancy reduces the risk of pertussis in infants up to 93% per cent and can prevent up to 95 per cent of pertussis-related deaths.
Besides pertussis, the vaccine also helps safeguard mother and babies from tetanus and diphtheria, diseases that can cause serious complications to babies as well.
She said that Tdap vaccine has been proven to be safe for both mother and baby. It has been carefully studied and is widely used around the world, showing no increased risk to the pregnancy.
“While some mothers might experience mild side effects, these are generally well-tolerated.
“Our babies depend on us for protection from the very beginning. Getting vaccinated in pregnancy is an important way to shield the newborn baby from vaccine preventable infections, giving us peace of mind and giving our babies a safer start in life,” she said.
Expectant mothers are advised to consult their healthcare providers or visit Immunise4Life Tdap Information Page for more information on maternal Tdap immunisation.
