The whooping cough vaccine

During pregnancy, certain vaccines are recommended to safeguard both you and your baby from serious health issues. One such vaccine is for whooping cough. Let’s explore what whooping cough is and why getting this vaccine is important.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious lung infection. It leads to prolonged bouts of coughing that can persist for months and can severely affect babies. The infection spreads through coughs or sneezes of infected individuals. The incidence of whooping cough has risen significantly, particularly among infants too young for vaccination. Unfortunately, the whooping cough vaccine for babies is only available when they reach 8 weeks of age.

Pregnant women can take a crucial step in protecting themselves and their infants by receiving the whooping cough vaccine between the 16th and 32nd week of pregnancy. This vaccine offers substantial protection, safeguarding your newborn until its initial series of vaccines. The protective effects are transmitted through the placenta, providing immunity for your baby until they turn 8 weeks old.

You can receive the whooping cough vaccine through your GP (General Practitioner). This vaccine is available free of charge to all expectant mothers. Simply contact your GP practice and schedule an appointment for the vaccine as soon as possible.

It’s natural to be concerned about what enters your body during pregnancy (and beyond). As with any medication, safety is a critical question. According to the NHS, the whooping cough vaccine has been safely administered during pregnancy since 2012. Extensive research has not identified any evidence of potential risks for either the mother or the newborn.

Minor effects such as local swelling, redness, or tenderness may occur, usually lasting a couple of days. More pronounced side effects could include fever, local discomfort, or headaches.