Pasadena Launches ‘Shield Strategy’ to Combat Whooping Cough Surge

Pasadena health officials recently unveiled a comprehensive family-wide vaccination strategy to protect newborns from whooping cough as cases continue their expected cyclical rise across Los Angeles County.

The initiative, dubbed the “shield strategy,” comes as Los Angeles County reported 347 cases last year, following a pattern where cases typically surge every three to five years.

“The City of Pasadena has seen an uptick in locally-reported cases thus far this year,” said Manuel Carmona, Director of Public Health. “This type of uptick is expected every three to five years and we have prepared for this increase.”

The protection plan centers on creating a protective barrier of vaccinated family members around newborns, starting with maternal vaccination during pregnancy to transfer immunity to unborn children.

“Pregnant people should receive a Tdap vaccine in their third trimester of every pregnancy. This can help pass protective antibodies to the baby before birth,” Carmona said.

Health officials emphasize that all household members and visitors must obtain current vaccinations before interacting with newborns, who face the highest risk from the disease.

“New parents should also encourage friends and family to get a booster Tdap dose before allowing them to see their newborn child,” Carmona said. “Pertussis is especially dangerous and deadly among young infants.”

The comprehensive vaccination schedule includes DTaP shots for children at two, four, six, and 15 months, with an additional dose between ages four and six.

California schools require students to receive a Tdap booster for 7th-Grade advancement, while adults need boosters every decade, according to health department guidelines.

Building on lessons from a 2019 surge, Pasadena’s Public Health Department has established detailed protocols for disease surveillance and response within the school system.

“We are constantly collaborating with the Pasadena Unified School District health office to ensure the proper reporting, investigation, and control of the disease,” Carmona said.

The strategy implements specific protocols for treating and isolating exposure cases in schools while maintaining robust disease surveillance systems throughout the District.