Malaysia adds maternal Tdap shots to routine prenatal care to shield newborns from whooping cough

Since last year, Malaysia's public health system has been providing the Tdap vaccine to pregnant women during the 28-32 week gestational window. The programme aims to confer passive immunity against tetanus, diphtheria and especially pertussis, which can lead to prolonged coughing, pneumonia, convulsions, brain injury or fatality in newborns. According to obstetrician Professor Jamiyah Hassan, antibodies generated by the mother cross the placenta and protect the baby until routine childhood immunisations begin.

She reports a positive response from expectant mothers attending government health clinics, with many actively choosing the vaccine. The Health Ministry stresses that the vaccine is safe, and officials view it as a key step toward giving infants a healthier start in life.