Where To Get Free Vaccine Against Whooping Cough

Following the pertussis or whooping cough outbreak in some areas of the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has continuously monitored pertussis cases among Filipinos.

The health agency's data in March 2024 show around 862 cases since the start of the year, with 49 deaths recorded. The spike in cases is also observed in other countries, such as the United Kingdom in Europe, where 553 cases were recorded for January 2024 alone.

Pertussis or Whooping Cough

Unlike a regular cough, whooping cough is characterized by the high-pitched sound emitted when gasping for air. There can also be vomiting after a coughing fit and possibly a low-grade fever. Infants may not present with a cough but they may turn cyanotic or bluish when coughing.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one can acquire whooping cough through exposure to the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which is transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Hence, pertussis is highly contagious. The respiratory illness starts as a mild cough and cold that lasts about two weeks, followed by paroxysms or fits of coughing, which lasts up to six weeks.

Diagnosing whooping cough in its early stages can be difficult because the signs and symptoms resemble that of common respiratory illnesses, such as a cold, flu, or bronchitis. Sometimes, doctors can diagnose whooping cough simply by asking about symptoms and listening to the cough. But medical tests, such as nose or throat culture and test, blood tests, or a chest x-ray, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Pertussis can be prevented through vaccination. Moreover, DOH has provided safety tips to prevent the spread of pertussis or getting infected. The DOH recommends that parents regularly remind their children to practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes covering mouth and nose when coughing, sneezing with a tissue and not with the bare hand, and washing hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer for 20 seconds. Individuals suspected to have the whooping cough must also self-isolate from other people.

Pertussis Cases in the Philippines

DOH named the five Philippine regions reporting the most number of cases, which are MiMaRoPa (187), NCR (158), Central Luzon (132), Central Visayas (121), and Western Visayas (72).

Of the total Pertussis cases recorded this year, 79% were younger than five years old. At least six out of ten (66%) of these young children were either unvaccinated or unaware of their vaccination history. Meanwhile, adults aged 20 and older account for only 4% of cases.

The DOH is cautious in interpreting trends as the number of cases will still change due to late consultations and reports, among other factors. Moreover, the effects of increasing immunization efforts to stem the outbreak may not be visible in the data until 4-6 weeks after it begins.

In a conference, Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa reassured the public that the DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (RESUs) are "in constant coordination with provincial, city, and municipal health offices to provide scientific advice." He emphasized that the health agency is helping LGUs move to break transmission through vaccination efforts.

ALSO READ: Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Outbreak in Quezon City: Key Facts

Free Vaccination Against Pertussis or Whooping Cough

Children can be protected from pertussis by getting vaccinated with a five-in-one DPT-HepB-HiB vaccine, also called the pentavalent vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus, as well as hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B. Infants as young as six weeks may already be given this vaccine for free at government health centers.

Meanwhile, children from one to six years of age may get a booster dose. Older children and adults are advised to consult a doctor or health center for professional advice on the appropriate vaccine. Pregnant women may inquire about the “Tdap” vaccine to health professionals, which allows for the protection of their soon-to-be-born babies against Pertussis.

DOH chief Herboza also mentioned that the country still has a supply of about 2 to 3 million of the pentavalent vaccine until May. Then, another 6 million procured pentavalent vaccine doses are expected to arrive by July. However, with the vaccination campaign ongoing, and more LGUs declaring outbreaks, health authorities believe that these will run out fast. So, parents must have their kids vaccinated as soon as they can.

Interested parents can also avail of whooping cough vaccines from Watsons, a health, wellness, and beauty retailer. Vaccines are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, with the aim of curbing the spread of the disease.

Watsons Philippines Customer Director Jared De Guzman, said, "We are taking a proactive stance in supporting our local government's efforts to combat the rising cases of Pertussis and curb its spread through our vaccination initiative. Vaccines will be available for walk-ins in select Watsons store, ensuring accessibility and convenience for our customers."

Know more about the perstussis or whooping cough here.