Pregnant mums’ Tdap vaccine protects babies from deadly cough

May 21, 2026

Healthcaretoday, Tdap immunization, pertussis, Immunise4Life, pregnancy, infants, pneumonia, brain damage, 5 months old, tetatus, diphtheria,

Tdap immunization during pregnancy reduces the risk of pertussis in infants up to 93% and can prevent up to 95% of pertussis-related deaths.

Tdap immunization implemented by the Ministry of Health (MOH) for pregnant mothers since 2025 is a safe and effective strategy to protect babies from the dangers of “100-day cough,” or pertussis.

This initiative by MOH has placed Malaysia alongside 50 countries that have introduced maternal Tdap immunization, underscoring our nation’s commitment to implement global best practices in pregnancy and infant care.

Tdap immunization is recommended for each pregnancy and is provided free of charge at 28 to 32 weeks of pregnancy in government clinics. It is also available for a fee in university, private hospitals and private clinics.

To date, uptake has been encouraging, with mothers across the country confidently accepting the Tdap vaccine. This positive response attests to growing public awareness of maternal immunization and confidence in its effectiveness in protecting babies when they are at highest risk.

According to Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail, a Consultant Pediatrician and the Technical Committee Chairman of Immunise4Life program, pertussis affects young infants, especially those under 5 months old.

He explained, “When infected, these babies can develop intense and uncontrollable coughing that makes it difficult for them to breathe, sometimes causing their lips or skin to turn blue due to a lack of oxygen. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and even death.”

He further highlighted that in 2023, 43.8% of pertussis cases occurred in infants below five months old, with 43 deaths recorded in Malaysia.

Dr Zulkifli added that the danger often comes from those closest to the baby. The bacterium resides in the mouth, nose and throat of infected individuals. Older children and adults may have only mild symptoms or none at all – putting vulnerable young infants at risk. The infection can be passed on by parents, siblings, caregivers, even elderly grandparents and healthcare providers.

Children get their Tdap vaccination at 2, 3, 5 and 18 months of age, and will not be completely protected until the age of 6 months.

Professor Dr Jamiyah Hassan, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist (Fetomaternal) and President of the Perinatal Society Malaysia, emphasized that this is why Tdap immunization during pregnancy was introduced to fill the gap.

She said, “When pregnant mothers receive their Tdap immunization, their bodies produce protective antibodies that are passed to their babies through the placenta. This gives the baby protection from birth, during those first critical months.”

Tdap immunization during pregnancy reduces the risk of pertussis in infants up to 93% and can prevent up to 95% of pertussis-related deaths.

Besides pertussis, the vaccine also helps safeguard mother and babies from tetanus and diphtheria, diseases that can cause serious complications to babies as well.

Tdap vaccine has been proven to be safe for both mother and baby. It has been carefully studied and is widely used around the world, showing no increased risk to the pregnancy. While some mothers might experience mild side effects, these are generally well-tolerated.

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Healthcaretoday, Dr Naveen Nair Gangadaran, Child health, Stunting awareness, child nutrition, First 1000 Days, growth monitoring, nutrition matters, child nutrition, breastfeeding, Iron tablets, pregnancy,

Pregnant mums’ Tdap vaccine protects babies from deadly cough

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