Make a presentation of how can community health workers fit into the vaccination process. Pleaseprovide notes for each slide.
Epidemiology and Maternal Health Vaccinations (TDAP)
Epidemiology of TDAP Vaccinations
• Most of morbidity and deaths associated with pertussis infections occurring in
infants below three months.
• Infants are not allowed to be vaccinated against pertussis until they are two months
old.
• This leaves infants significantly vulnerable to the disease with most infections
coming from family members, older siblings and caregivers.
Maternal Health Vaccinations
• Maternal health vaccinations protect babies from risky infections like pertussis.
• These vaccines are normally administered during pregnancy and have proven to be safe in
protecting infants for some months after they are born.
• Administration of the TDAP vaccine to pregnant mother’s help increase antibodies in their
bodies.
• The increased antibodies are passed to the developing babies’ body and help them develop
passive immunity (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017).
TDAP Vaccination
• TDAP is a combination vaccine which protects infants against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and
Pertussis infections.
• Tetanus infection causes muscle spasms and stiffness, while Diphtheria infections affect
human respiratory system.
• Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory disease causing persistent coughing
(American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017).
Tetanus
• The bacteria Clostridium tetani, which is usually found in dust, manure and soil
causes tetanus,
• Its infection occurs through open wounds or cuts and releases a toxin that affects the
nervous system.
• TDAP vaccination helps prevent tetanus in both mothers and babies, ensuring
protection against this potentially life-threatening disease (American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017).
Diphtheria
• The bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae carried in respiratory droplets causes
diphtheria.
• It primarily affects the throat and can lead to severe respiratory complications
which can cause death to unvaccinated infants.
• TDAP vaccination provides immunity against diphtheria, safeguarding the health
of mothers and babies (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).
Pertussis
• Pertussis, is known by some people as whooping cough.
• The bacteria Bordetella pertussis causes this extremely contagious disease.
• Once an infected person sneezes or coughs, it is carried through the droplets and
infects others
• TDAP vaccination is essential in preventing pertussis in newborns, who are at higher
risk of severe complications and hospitalization (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 2021).
Importance of TDAP Vaccination for Mothers
• TDAP vaccination during pregnancy provides protection to both the mother and the
newborn.
• Pregnant women who receive the TDAP vaccine produce antibodies that pass
through the placenta to the fetus, offering temporary immunity.
• Maternal TDAP vaccination helps prevent these diseases in the mother and reduces
the risk of transmitting them to the baby (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 2021).
Benefits for Babies
• TDAP vaccination during pregnancy is especially important for babies, as they are
vulnerable to severe complications from these diseases.
• Newborns are too young to receive their own DTAP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and
Pertussis) vaccine series.
• TDAP vaccination provides crucial protection against pertussis and these other
two diseases, significantly reducing the risk of infection in babies.
Vaccine Schedule for TDAP
• The healthy determined for TDAP vaccination for pregnant mothers is between 27
and 36 weeks into their pregnancy.
• Administering TDAP during this period allows sufficient time for the mother to
develop protective antibodies before delivery.
• This timing also maximizes the antibody transfer to the baby, providing early
protection (Minnesota Department of Health, 2020).
Safety of TDAP Vaccination
• TDAP vaccination is considered safe for pregnant women and their unborn
babies.
• Extensive research and studies have shown no increased risk of adverse effects
in pregnant women or negative outcomes for the fetus.
• The benefits of vaccination in preventing disease far outweigh any potential
risks (Minnesota Department of Health, 2020).
Common Side Effects
• Like any vaccine, TDAP can cause mild side effects, which are commonly
temporary and mild.
• Major side effects may include swelling or soreness at the site of injection,
headache, mild fever, and fatigue.
• Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible, and it is important to seek
immediate medical attention if they occur (Minnesota Department of Health,
2020).
Herd Immunity and Protection
• Maternal TDAP vaccination provides direct protection as well as developing passive
immunity.
• This immunity occurs when a large enough part of a given population develops immunity to
a disease, reducing its spread and protecting those who are vulnerable, such as newborns.
• By vaccinating mothers, we can create a protective cocoon around infants who are too young
to receive their own vaccinations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).
Postpartum Vaccination
• Unvaccinated women against TDAP while pregnant should be vaccinated
immediately postpartum.
• This helps protect the mother and prevents transmission of pertussis to the newborn.
• The components of the TDAP vaccine do not pose a risk to breastfeeding infants.
• Following vaccination guidelines helps ensure optimal protection and health
outcomes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).
Conclusion
• The TDAP vaccine, which stands for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis, is an
important immunization recommended for both mothers and babies.
• For mothers, the TDAP vaccine is typically administered during pregnancy, specifically
between the 27th and 36th week.
• This timing allows for the transfer of protective antibodies to the developing fetus,
providing passive immunity against pertussis (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 2021).
Cont’d
• Epidemiology helps us understand diseases’ patterns and develop strategies to prevent
and control them.
• TDAP vaccination is a crucial aspect of maternal health, protecting both mothers and
newborns from Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis.
• By ensuring widespread TDAP vaccination during pregnancy, we can improve the
health outcomes for mothers and babies (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
2021).
References
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2017). Update on immunization
and pregnancy: Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccination. Retrieved from
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committeeopinion/articles/2017/09/update-on-immunization-and-pregnancy-tetanus-diphtheria-andpertussis-vaccination
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Rationale for vaccination of pregnant
women with Tdap. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/pregnant/hcp/rationalevacc-pregnant-women.html
• Minnesota Department of Health. (2020). Tdap for teens. Retrieved from
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/pertussis/tdapfsteens.html