Whooping cough (Pertussis) is a highly infectious disease that causes severe bouts of coughing. The effects of the disease can be mild in adults, but if the infection is spread to a baby who is not yet vaccinated, it can be life threatening.
Whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy is an effective method of preventing the disease for both the mother and baby.
Free whooping cough vaccine is available for pregnant women in their third trimester (around 28 weeks) through general practitioners.
Studies have found that whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective. Vaccination at 28 weeks provides time for antibodies to be produced and passed on to the baby. It protects the baby until it is able to have its own vaccinations from 6 weeks of age.
Family members and carers who will have close contact with babies in their first weeks of life should receive a whooping cough vaccine. You can get a prescription from your GP and get vaccinated at least two weeks before having contact with the baby.