Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccine Rollout in Malaysia to Protect Pregnant Women and Newborns
PETALING JAYA: In a move to safeguard pregnant women and newborns, the Malaysian Health Ministry has announced plans to implement a nation-wide rollout of the Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis (TDAP) vaccine in 2024. This initiative aims to mitigate the risk of Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, infections among expectant mothers and infants.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa emphasized the importance of the program, which would provide an annual allocation of up to RM25 million to cover approximately 500,000 pregnant women across the country each year. Once implemented, all pregnant women, including non-citizens, will receive a free dose of the TDAP vaccine during their second or third trimester, between 13 to 26 weeks of pregnancy. The vaccine will be readily available at all primary care facilities managed by the Health Ministry.
Dr Zaliha confirmed that the initiative is scheduled to kick off in 2024, once the procurement of the TDAP vaccine is complete, and sufficient stock is available at healthcare facilities nationwide. She assured the public that more information regarding the rollout will be released periodically.
The Health Minister revealed that infants below five months of age are particularly vulnerable to Pertussis and are at risk of experiencing severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalopathy, and even death. These risks are amplified because a baby’s immunity levels only reach sufficient levels after receiving the three doses of Pertussis vaccination as part of the National Vaccination Program.
Up until their birth and the completion of their primary Pertussis vaccinations, infants are protected by the mother’s antibodies passed on through the TDAP vaccine administered during pregnancy. Dr Zaliha highlighted the importance of vaccinating pregnant women with the TDAP vaccine to safeguard both mother and child.
According to recent reports, there have been 343 reported cases of Pertussis and 24 related deaths in Malaysia as of August 23 this year. Amongst the reported cases, 173 involved babies below the age of five months, with 19 of the 24 deaths occurring in this age group.
Health experts stress that vaccination, along with practicing good hygiene, plays a crucial role in preventing Pertussis infections. They assert that providing the TDAP vaccine to undocumented children and individuals in Sabah would aid in controlling the spread of the disease.
The rollout of the TDAP vaccine for pregnant women is a significant step towards protecting the health and well-being of both expectant mothers and newborns in Malaysia. By prioritizing vaccination and adopting preventive measures, the country can effectively combat Pertussis and minimize its impact on public health.
