The Austrian Medical Association said on Thursday it was “deeply” concerned after the death of a baby in Graz following a whooping cough infection became known. According to the head of ÖÄK’s vaccination department, Rudolf Schmitzberger, it is also important that adults keep an eye on their vaccination status. According to a press release, it would be important to include the whooping cough vaccination in the free vaccination program.
“My condolences go out to the family of the baby, who was only a few weeks old and died of whooping cough in Graz,” said Naghme Kamaleyan-Schmied, deputy head of the Federal Curia for Resident Doctors. Whooping cough, also called whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease and must be reported in Austria.
Most deaths are infants
Infants and small children, but also the elderly and high-risk patients, are particularly affected by severe cases. According to the Agency for Health and Food Security (AGES), most deaths occur in the first year of life.
Babies can only be vaccinated from the second month of life, with further partial vaccinations in the fifth and eleventh months, Schmitzberger explains. “Pregnant women are recommended to receive a booster in the third trimester of pregnancy to best protect babies from birth.”
Renew vaccinations regularly
It is important that the whooping cough vaccination is boosted after the basic vaccination at the age of five to six years as part of the quadruple vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. For adults, it is important to get a booster vaccination every ten years until the age of 60, and every five years thereafter.
Kamaleyan-Schmied describes her experiences: “What strikes me as a GP is that many pregnant women still get irritated when they are recommended a vaccination during pregnancy.” This protection provided by the mother’s vaccination would be important for the newborn. There is a need for more awareness about the problem and for accessible access through free vaccinations.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
