Whooping cough cases spiking, especially among unvaccinated teens

The U.S. is experiencing more than four times as many whooping cough cases compared with last year — a spike that some experts attribute to post-pandemic vaccine fatigue.

The U.S. is experiencing more than four times as many whooping cough cases compared with last year — a spike that some experts attribute to post-pandemic vaccine fatigue.

“With the increase in vaccine hesitancy that has been going on since the Covid-19 pandemic, we’re seeing outbreaks occurring in kids who are not vaccinated,” said Dr. Tina Tan, president-elect of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Babies are given the DTaP vaccine, which helps protect against three diseases: pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus. The vaccine works well against diphtheria and tetanus, but is less effective over time for pertussis.

Advisors to the Food and Drug Administration met Friday to discuss the need for more robust and longer-lasting versions of the whooping cough vaccine.

Until next generation vaccines are developed, boosters are recommended about every 10 years, starting in the tween years, as kids start middle school.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/whooping-cough-spike-unvaccinated-teens-rcna171781

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