Mesquite Pediatrics Blog

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all recommend that mothers receive the vaccine against whooping cough (Pertussis) with every pregnancy. They also recommend that fathers and other close caregivers receive the vaccine.

Unfortunately, whooping cough is still a common and potentially deadly disease for babies. In a recent outbreak in California, thousands became sick and 10 babies died. Babies are not well protected by the vaccine until they have received the third dose at 6 months of age. At Mesquite Pediatrics, we feel strongly about making sure the babies in our practice have every protection possible from whooping cough. Therefore, when supplies are available, we now offer this vaccine (known as Tdap) to parents and other family members who will have close contact with our babies.

If you would like to receive this vaccine at our office, you can register yourself as a patient on our patient portal. When you schedule the appointment for your baby to be seen, please let the receptionist know that you would like to receive the vaccine during the appointment. You will be asked to return to the portal to fill out a short questionnaire to ensure that the vaccine is medically appropriate for you. Then when you come for your baby’s appointment be ready to roll up your sleeve to help create a cocoon of protection around the newest addition to your family!