(www.foxnews.com) –Health officials now anticipate a new vaccine for infants in Wisconsin that protects against five strains of the human pertussis (whooping cough) will begin in September. That vaccine is expected to start at about age 10 months, more than a year later than its previous recommended start date.
This new vaccine has two sides. A first dose is given when the child is about 6 months old; a second is given about every three months or when a booster booster shot is recommended. The new age to start is 10 months.
Dr. Jerome Ingram, Walker’s Chief Medical Officer said there is ample evidence that in pregnant women who receive a second dose, there is an increased risk of miscarriage, abortion and even death. And he said the vaccine is not linked to autism in vaccinated children.
“There’s a still a significant body of evidence out there that says vaccinations are absolutely vital,” Ingram said. “It’s very difficult to get these shots right.”
Dr. Ruth Lederer, the Director of Wisconsin’s Healthy Kids Program said the overall goal of pertussis vaccinations is to control a disease that the state’s public health system tracks extremely closely.
“We want to decrease the cases of pertussis that occur when babies are young, that includes the new baby, middle of the year, December 31st is the peak month for new cases,” Lederer said.