Adults advised to receive whooping cough booster vaccine

Illnesses - Adults advised to receive whooping cough booster vaccine

Considering the current surge in Whooping Cough cases in Lower Saxony, the State Health Department (NLGA) urges everyone to ensure their vaccination is up to date. Based on official figures, there were 357 reported cases in the last four weeks, which is much higher than the 100 cases typically expected during this time frame according to pre-COVID comparison data (2015-2019).

Whooping Cough, also known medically as Pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection. The best way to protect oneself, as per NLGA, is through vaccination. Children should be vaccinated at two, four, and eleven months old, with booster shots also planned for preschool and adolescent ages. Pregnant women can also get vaccinated to help protect their newborns from the infection. Health Minister Andreas Philippi (SPD) emphasized in a recent statement that "the vaccine is well tolerated, offers the best protection, and is the most effective method for curbing the spread" of the disease.

NLGA reports that Whooping Cough usually follows an epidemic pattern every three to five years. It's possible that the COVID pandemic could have disrupted this pattern, leading to the current increase in cases.

Whooping Cough is an infection that mainly affects the respiratory system. Symptoms include prolonged, repetitive coughing attacks that can last for several weeks. The disease can be mild in adults, often going unnoticed, which could contribute to the spread and put unvaccinated infants at high risk of infection.

Bavaria has experienced a more significant increase in Whooping Cough cases. The state's Health Ministry reported 1,168 cases between the start of the year and May 21, 2024 - 791 more than in the previous yearly period.

Here's a statement from the Federal Health Ministry regarding this situation: [statement link]

Read also:

1. In light of the rising number of Whooping Cough cases in Lower Saxony, the SPD's Health Minister, Andreas Philippi, encourages everyone to maintain their vaccination protection.
2. Despite Lower Saxony experiencing a spike in Whooping Cough cases with 357 reported cases in the past four weeks, other German states like Bavaria have seen an even more significant increase, with 1,168 cases reported between January and May 2024.
3. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic possibly disrupting the typical Whooping Cough epidemic pattern, it is crucial for adults to receive booster vaccinations to ensure adequate protection against the disease.
4. In Lower Saxony, the youth are not the only group at risk, as unvaccinated adults can also be carriers, contributing to the spread of Whooping Cough and posing a threat to unprotected infants.
5. The Federal Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for preventing the spread of diseases such as Whooping Cough, coronavirus, and others.

• Tough return to normality in snow and ice
• Steinmeier joined a moment of silence - a legal battle over an AfD protest.
• German national soccer team on their way to participate in the European Championship qualifying matches.
• The flooding has lessened, but the aftermath of mud remains.