Whooping cough (pertussis) rates are on the rise, and babies too young for vaccinations are most at risk. This illness can be severe for infants, sometimes leading to hospitalisation or even death.
How You Can Protect Your Baby
One of the best ways to safeguard your baby is by getting vaccinated during pregnancy. The ideal time for the whooping cough vaccine is around 20 weeks, but you can get it as early as 16 weeks. For maximum protection, try to get vaccinated before 32 weeks. If you miss this window, you can still get the vaccine later.
Why Vaccination During Pregnancy is Essential
Getting vaccinated while you're pregnant is incredibly effective in protecting your baby from whooping cough during their first few weeks of life. The immunity you develop passes to your baby through the placenta, providing them with crucial protection until they can start their vaccinations at 8 weeks old.
When Should You Get the Vaccine?
You usually get the whooping cough vaccine at 20 weeks of pregnancy, but it’s okay to get it from 16 weeks onwards. If you haven't been offered the vaccine by 20 weeks, contact your midwife or GP. To give your baby the best protection, aim to have the vaccine before 32 weeks. If you miss this period, you can still get vaccinated later, even after giving birth, although it's not as ideal.
Is the Vaccine Safe?
Yes, the whooping cough vaccine is safe for both you and your baby. It has been routinely recommended for pregnant women in the UK since 2012, with extensive monitoring showing no risks to pregnancy or babies. Many other countries, including the US and Australia, also recommend this vaccine during pregnancy.
Does It Work?
Absolutely. Research from the UK's vaccination program shows that vaccinating pregnant women is highly effective in protecting young babies from whooping cough until they receive their first vaccination at 8 weeks old. Plus, the vaccination helps lower your own risk of getting whooping cough and passing it to your baby.
For more information on vaccinations and how to protect yourself and your baby, consult your GP Surgery.