HEALTH POLICY

Pertussis is a respiratory disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The disease is only found in humans. Symptoms of pertussis can vary based on the individual’s age and vaccination status.

Age and underlying medical conditions can increase the risk of severe pertussis. It’s particularly important to prevent these individuals from getting sick. Infants under one year old are at the highest risk of contracting pertussis and developing severe complications from it.

The Panhellenic Association of Health Visitors emphasizes that pregnant women should be vaccinated during each pregnancy with a dose of the Tdap or Tdap-IPV vaccine for pertussis, preferably between the 27th and 36th weeks of pregnancy, regardless of previous Td/Tdap vaccination. Mothers who were not vaccinated during pregnancy can be vaccinated postpartum. Family members who are not fully vaccinated should be vaccinated at least two weeks before contact with newborns and infants.

Protecting infants from severe illness and death due to pertussis is achieved through timely vaccination, which starts in the second month of life and is completed according to the national vaccination schedule. The DTaP vaccine is administered at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months of age and at 4-6 years. The Tdap vaccine is given at 11-12 years, between 18-25 years, and as a booster dose every decade.

The vaccination of healthcare professionals is also crucial, as they should receive a Tdap booster every decade.

Early treatment of pertussis is vital before coughing fits begin. Healthcare professionals generally use antibiotics to treat pertussis. Further treatment in a hospital may be necessary if symptoms are severe.

According to the National Public Health Organization (EODY) and the Ministry of Health, there is a significant increase in the number of pertussis cases in our country, likely linked to the delayed immunization of certain age groups and the low circulation of the pathogen during the pandemic.