Pregnant Women Urged to Get Whooping Cough Vaccine for Protection

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is urging expectant mothers to ensure they receive the whooping cough vaccine to safeguard themselves and their babies. The vaccine provides crucial protection to infants after birth until they are old enough to receive the routine immunization at 8 weeks old.

Parents are advised to ensure their children are immunized against whooping cough, a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the lungs and airways, causing prolonged bouts of coughing.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, has seen an increase in notifications in Scotland since the start of the year, with confirmed cases expected to rise accordingly. Fortunately, there have been no reported pertussis-related deaths in Scotland this year or since 2015.

Dr. Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS, emphasized the severity of whooping cough, its mode of spread, and the vulnerability of unimmunized young children, particularly babies under one year old. Vaccination, available for infants, younger children, and pregnant women, is essential in preventing the disease.

According to Dr. Ghebrehewet, getting immunized during pregnancy is paramount to protecting newborns during their initial vulnerable weeks. All pregnant women qualify for the whooping cough vaccine from week 16 of their pregnancy, ideally administered between weeks 16 and 32 but beneficial at any stage. The vaccine is recommended for every pregnancy, irrespective of previous vaccinations.

If individuals notice symptoms of whooping cough or have concerns, they are advised to consult their GP practice or call 111. More information on whooping cough can be found on NHS Inform.

Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss the whooping cough vaccine with their midwife, and further details on pregnancy and baby immunizations are available. The latest data is accessible, with the upcoming quarterly report, including data up to 31 March, set for publication on 4 June 2024.