Bratislava – Slovakia is experiencing a concerning surge in whooping cough cases, also known as pertussis, even as the typical flu season winds down. From the beginning of January to mid-February, approximately 1,000 cases of whooping cough were reported across the country. This increase is compounded by a shortage of the Boostrix vaccine, a common preventative measure against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. The shortage has prompted many pregnant women to seek vaccination in neighboring Austria. The Public Health Authority notes a important contrast to the previous year, when 7,000 cases were registered in Slovakia.

The confluence of rising whooping cough cases and the unavailability of the Boostrix vaccine has created a difficult situation for expectant mothers and healthcare providers. The State Institute for Drug Control (ŠÚKL) has acknowledged the supply interruption, indicating that deliveries are not expected to resume until the end of April. This shortage has led some Slovak citizens to cross the border into Austria to obtain the vaccine,underscoring the urgency and concern surrounding this public health issue. The situation raises questions about vaccine accessibility and public health strategies in the region.

Whooping Cough: A Growing Public Health Concern

Whooping cough,caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis,is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by severe coughing fits. The infection spreads primarily through droplet transmission, making it easily transmissible, especially in densely populated areas. An infected person is contagious even three to four days before the onset of clinical symptoms, further complicating efforts to control its spread. The disease poses a significant risk, notably to infants and young children.

Vaccination against whooping cough is mandatory for children in Slovakia, administered as part of a combined hexavalent vaccine at six and 13 years of age. Experts also recommend vaccination for adults, particularly pregnant women in their third trimester, individuals with chronic illnesses, those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, seniors, teachers, and healthcare professionals. Adult vaccination typically involves a combined vaccine that also protects against tetanus and diphtheria, with boosters recommended every 15 years. Maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial to protect vulnerable populations.

The recent surge in cases underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and adhering to recommended booster schedules to protect vulnerable populations from this preventable disease. In 2025, Slovakia anticipates approximately 1,000 cases of whooping cough, according to TASR/Martina Kriková.

Protecting Mother and Child: The Importance of Vaccination during Pregnancy

Vaccination against whooping cough is particularly crucial during pregnancy, ideally between the 27th and 36th week. This strategy aims to protect both the pregnant woman and her newborn in the critical first weeks of life. when a pregnant woman is vaccinated, specific antibodies are transferred to the child, providing passive immunity until the infant can be vaccinated themselves.This passive immunity is vital, as newborns are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from whooping cough.

Children in Slovakia receive their initial whooping cough vaccinations at 3, 5, and 11 months of age as part of the hexavalent vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria, tetanus, viral hepatitis B, invasive hemophilic infections, polio, and pneumococcal invasive diseases. Subsequent vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio are administered at 6 and 13 years of age. This complete vaccination schedule is designed to provide long-term protection against these diseases.

Vaccine Shortage spurs Cross-Border Solutions

The current shortage of the Boostrix vaccine in Slovakia has created significant challenges for those seeking protection against whooping cough.boostrix provides antibodies against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus and has been used to vaccinate pregnant women. However,the interruption in supplies,which began on November 24 of last year,has left many individuals unable to access this crucial vaccine within the country.

According to Lucia Balážiková, spokeswoman for ŠÚKL, We are currently registering a breakdown for the Boostrix vaccine, the delivery should be restored at the end of April. She also noted that the ADACEL vaccine, which also provides immunity against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, is currently available on the market. However, ŠÚKL recommends that pregnant women consult with their attending physician before receiving the ADACEL vaccine.

Some doctors are reportedly cautious about the ADACEL vaccine, as it is a newer option. One individual shared their experience, stating that their general practitioner required approval from a gynecologist before administering the vaccine. However, the gynecologist was unfamiliar with the vaccine, creating a dilemma for the patient. I want to be vaccinated and be responsible, the date of birth is approaching, but I will probably have to go to Austria, where Boostrix vaccines are, and buy it considerably more expensive than here in Slovakia, the individual told topky.sk.

While the vaccine costs approximately 20 euros in Slovakia, it is priced around 40 euros in Austria. Despite the higher cost,many women have opted for “vaccination tourism” to Austria to ensure they receive the necessary protection.ŠÚKL has also recommended this approach, advising individuals to contact their health insurance company regarding reimbursement for the vaccine.

Addressing the Discrepancies in Vaccine Availability

The availability of the Boostrix vaccine in Austria raises questions about the differing epidemiological situations between the two countries. According to ŠÚKL,the differences in the epidemiological situation between countries may be related to several factors,including a higher population vaccination,regular vaccination of adults and better adherence to hygiene measures.

The Ministry of Health,under the leadership of Kamil Šaška,has addressed the issue,stating that they are in continuous communication with vaccine manufacturers. the ministry also emphasized that other vaccines, such as ADACEL POLIO, are available in Slovakia. Currently, several vaccines are registered in slovakia, and the availability of individual vaccines may vary. The ADACEL POLIO vaccine should be available in sufficient quantity to order from a large -scale drug and subsequent delivery to public pharmacy for patients. based on the statement of the holder’s representative sufficient stock, the press department stated.

While ADACEL POLIO is partially reimbursed by insurance companies, ADACEL is not. The package leaflet for ADACEL POLIO indicates that it can be used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, in accordance with local recommendations. Of the passive monitoring of women who received ADACEL POLIO or ADACEL (DTAP containing the same amount of diphtheria antigens, tetanus and whooping cough like ADACEL POLIO) during the second and third trimesters have not shown any adverse effect on pregnancy related to vaccination or fetal health/newborn. ADACLAGE POLIA During any trimester, the animal studies have not shown direct or indirect harmful effects in terms of pregnancy, embryonic/fetal growth, childbirth or postnatal development, the leaflet states.