Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine in pregnancy

Young babies with whooping cough are often very unwell and at highest risk of severe complications, such as pneumonia and permanent brain damage. Sadly, in the first quarter of 2024 (January – March), five infants died from whooping cough. The whooping cough vaccination pregnancy helps protect the baby until they can have their first vaccine at 8 weeks. Please speak to your midwife or book an appointment with one of our nurses from 16 weeks of pregnancy.