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Whooping Cough (Pertussis) - 2
Whooping cough causes lots of coughing and choking which makes it hard to breathe. It can last for two to three months.
What is Whooping Cough?
It is a serious disease that can lead to bad chest infections (pneumonia) and brain damage. Most babies with whooping cough will need to go to hospital.
If your baby needs to go to hospital they may develop severe problems. Some babies in the UK have died of whooping cough.
Why do I need the whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy and how does it help my baby?
Your baby can have the whooping cough vaccination at 2 months old. Until then they are at a higher risk of catching whooping cough. If your baby catches whooping cough before having the vaccination they could be very poorly.
Having the vaccination in pregnancy can help protect your baby until they have their own vaccination. The vaccination passes to your baby in the womb to help protect your baby.
What is the risk for me and my baby from the whooping cough
vaccination?
In 2014 a large research study of 18,000 vaccinated women found no risk to pregnancy linked to the vaccine. This was completed by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).
What does the whooping cough vaccination involve?
The vaccination is an injection.
Where can I get the whooping cough vaccination and when should I get it?
You can get the vaccination from 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Ideally you should have it before 32 weeks of pregnancy, but you can have it up to 2 months after birth. Speak to your midwife about the vaccination.
When you have your 20 week scan you might be able to get the vaccination in the antenatal clinic.
You can also speak to your GP about the vaccination.
Are there any side effects from the whooping cough vaccination?
There can be mild side effects such as swelling, redness and soreness where the vaccination is given.
