Fortunately, there’s a vaccine that protects against whooping cough. The vaccine is offered to pregnant women (between 16 and 32 weeks). Babies are given three doses in total, at around 8, 12 and 16 weeks, and get a last dose at age 3 years and 4 months. The vaccine is around 90% effective in preventing hospital admissions in young babies. It’s also over 97% effective at preventing infant deaths.
At the moment, cases of whooping cough (also known as pertussis) are on the rise across the UK and other parts of Europe.
The vaccine is offered to:
It’s extremely important that pregnant women get the vaccine. This will help to protect the baby in the first few vulnerable weeks of life until they’re old enough to have their first routine immunisations at around 8 weeks.
For more information about the 6-in-1 vaccine offered to newborn babies speak to your health visitor or visit the link below.
www.nhsinform.scot/6in1
