Can Pertussis Vaccine Cause Pertussis?
December 15, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
No, the pertussis vaccine does not cause pertussis (whooping cough). The pertussis vaccine is designed to prevent whooping cough by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium that causes the disease.
However, it’s important to note that no vaccine is 100% effective. The pertussis vaccine is highly effective but not perfect, and there is still a chance, although low, of contracting pertussis even after vaccination. The protection provided by the vaccine may decrease over time, which is why booster doses are recommended, especially for adolescents and adults, to help maintain immunity against pertussis.
In some cases, individuals who have been vaccinated against pertussis may still get a milder form of the illness if they are exposed to the bacteria. This is known as “vaccine failure” and can occur due to various factors, including waning immunity over time or exposure to strains of the bacteria that the vaccine may not fully protect against.
Despite the rare instances of vaccine failure, getting vaccinated significantly reduces the risk of contracting severe pertussis and helps protect not only the vaccinated individual but also helps prevent the spread of the disease within the community. If someone who has been vaccinated develops symptoms consistent with pertussis, it’s important for them to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.