PETALING JAYA, 19 May 2026 – Obstetricians and paediatricians in Malaysia laud the Ministry of Health (MOH) for successfully implementing Tdap immunisation for mothers during their pregnancy since 2025. It is a safe and effective strategy to protect babies from the dangers of the ‘100-day cough’, or pertussis.
This initiative by MOH has placed Malaysia alongside over 50 countries that have introduced maternal Tdap immunisation, underscoring our nation’s commitment to implement global best practices in pregnancy and infant care.
Recommendation for Tdap immunisation
Tdap immunisation 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 immunisation and confidence in its effectiveness in protecting babies when they are at highest risk.
According to Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail, a Consultant Paediatrician and the Technical Committee Chairman of Immunise4Life programme, 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 5 months old, and 43 deaths of infants below 5 months old is due to pertussis were reported in Malaysia.”
Prof 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. Prof Zulkifli said, “Children get their DTaP vaccination at 2, 3, 5 and 18 months of age, and will not be completely protected until the age of 6 months. Picking up on this point, Professor Dr Jamiyah Hassan, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (Fetomaternal) and President of the Perinatal Society Malaysia, emphasised that this is why Tdap immunisation during pregnancy was introduced to fill the gap.
She said, “When pregnant mothers receive their Tdap immunisation, 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.”
This protection is highly effective. Prof Jamiyah explained, “Tdap immunisation 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.
Prof Jamiyah remarked, “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.”
In the lingering spirit of Mother’s Day, Prof Jamiyah shared this message with all expectant mothers, “Our babies depend on us for protection from the very beginning. Getting vaccinated in pregnancy is an important way to shield the newborn baby from vaccine preventable infections, giving us peace of mind and giving our babies a safer start in life.”
To learn more on maternal Tdap immunisation, speak to your healthcare provider or visit www.immunise4life.my/tdap.
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