Tragic Death Highlights Importance of Vaccination during Pregnancy: Israel’s Fight against Whooping Cough

On June 25, the Ministry of Health reported a tragic death of a five-week-old infant from whooping cough. The epidemiological investigation revealed that the baby’s mother had not been vaccinated against the disease during pregnancy. This highlights the importance of vaccination during pregnancy to protect newborns from serious complications and even death.

To prevent such tragedies, the Ministry of Health strongly recommends that women get vaccinated against whooping cough during the third trimester of pregnancy. This vaccination allows the mother’s body to produce antibodies at a high level, which can then be transmitted to the fetus in the womb through the placenta. This provides the newborn with protection from the virus until they are able to receive the vaccine themselves.

In response to an increase in cases of whooping cough in Israel since January 2023, local health department employees have been conducting interviews with patients diagnosed with whooping cough to determine possible sources of infection and provide recommendations on how to prevent further spread. In addition, efforts are being made to encourage vaccination among pregnant women to reduce the risk of infant mortality from whooping cough.

The Ministry of Health has also lowered the age at which infants can receive their first whooping cough vaccination at Tipat Halav from 8 weeks to 6 weeks after birth. This change allows newborns to receive antibodies at an earlier age and provides them with added protection. It is important for parents and caregivers to ensure that infants receive all recommended vaccinations on time to protect their health and prevent serious complications like those seen in this tragic case.