The Whooping Cough Vaccine in Pregnancy

Infants are particularly at risk of disease and infection, especially whooping cough which poses a very serious threat. We highly recommend getting the whooping cough vaccine during pregnancy. 

What are maternal antibodies?

Here at the London Vaccination Clinic we like to describe antibodies as weapons or soldiers that fight against diseases and infections attempting to invade our bodies. When you are pregnant or breastfeeding, mothers naturally pass antibodies onto their babies to protect them during the critical maturation stage of the immune system.

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a very contagious respiratory disease caused by a bacteria infection in the lungs. The symptoms of whooping cough are life-threatening, most notably including a violent and persistent cough (that often makes a ‘whoop’ sound). 

Why is the whooping cough vaccine so important in pregnancy?

Infants under the age of 6 are especially at risk of whooping cough due to increased complications, including dehydration, pneumonia and seizures. As a result of the 2012 outbreak of whooping cough, all pregnant women are now offered the whooping cough vaccine about 16 weeks into pregnancy, however, you can have it up until term. This is to boost the existing pertussis antibodies and protect the infant against the virus up until 8 weeks old. 

Get your vaccine with us

Watch our short YouTube video for more information on the whooping cough and whooping cough vaccine. Our CEO and specialist immunisation and travel health nurse Katy Peters tells you everything you need to know. We are always here to answer any questions you have. 

Have you received all of the recommended maternal vaccines? Contact us today.