Pregnancy vaccine
Whooping Cough Vaccine
The whooping cough vaccine protects against pertussis, a serious infection that is especially dangerous for young babies. It is offered in pregnancy to protect newborns, and to babies directly.
What it protects against
It protects against whooping cough (pertussis), which causes severe coughing fits and can be life-threatening in very young infants.
Who it's for
It is offered to pregnant women (to pass protection to the baby before birth) and given to babies as part of the routine childhood schedule.
How it works
Given in pregnancy, it lets the mother pass antibodies to her baby, protecting the newborn in the first vulnerable weeks before the baby's own vaccinations begin.
Safety
Safety and side effects
The vaccine is safe in pregnancy and for babies. Side effects are usually mild, such as a sore arm or mild temperature.
Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.
Answers
Whooping Cough Vaccine: frequently asked questions
Why is the whooping cough vaccine given in pregnancy?
It lets the mother pass protective antibodies to her baby before birth, guarding the newborn during the first weeks when whooping cough is most dangerous and before the baby can be vaccinated.
Related
Other pregnancy vaccines
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vaccinations
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
- WHO — immunization
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