A new CDC study published today in Clinical Infectious Diseases reported that vaccination with whooping cough vaccine, Tdap, during the third trimester of pregnancy prevented more than three out of four (78 percent) cases of whooping cough (also known as pertussis) in babies younger than two months.

Original title: “New study shows Tdap vaccination during pregnancy can prevent whooping cough in babies - Press Release”

The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices voted today 14 to 0, with one abstention, to recommend that providers of prenatal care implement a Tdap immunization program for all pregnant women. Health-care personnel should administer a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy irrespective of the patient's prior history of receiving Tdap. If not administered during pregnancy, Tdap should be administered immediately postpartum.

Original title: “CDC Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices Recommends Tdap Immunization for Pregnant Women”

CDC hosted a telebriefing to provide updates on increases of pertussis cases in the United States and the epidemic in Washington State.

Original title: “CDC Telebriefing: Pertussis Epidemic in Washington State - 2012”

Reported NNDSS pertussis cases: 1922-2011 [PDF - 108KB]

Original title: “Reported NNDSS pertussis cases: 1922-2011 [PDF - 108KB]”