Whooping cough vaccination?

[GinIsIn]

Question - if you categorically have had the vaccination already and still have the 30 year old immunisation card to prove it (thanks, DM!) do you need to have it again? I will if necessary but I really hate needles so it would be lovely if you didn't need it redone!

[malin100]

Ooh, no idea, I just got it done automatically. How about calling your surgery to ask? They'll likely go check and call you back.

[CPtart]

I'm a practice nurse- and yes you do. In fact, if you had one for example, only 18 months ago you need another. (One per pregnancy). You will also be advised your flu vaccine this time of year too.

[SmallBee]

You do, it vaccine is for your baby not you. Getting it done whilst pregnant allows the vaccine to pass on to them in utero. Chat with your midwife though.

[Evergreen17]

Fenella I could be wrong but I think you do because the idea is that is transfers to the fetus through you so he is protected when he is born. Better ask

[Evergreen17]

Oh Cptart explained just now

[MyBreadIsEggy]

What CPtart said.
It's for your baby's benefit, not yours. It protects him/her against whooping cough until he/she is old enough for his/her 8 week vaccinations.

[scaevola]

Yes, as CPtart says, one per pregnancy.

This is because your body produces antibodies in response to the vaccine stimulus (just as it would if you met the wild disease). It is those antibodies which cross the placental and give some protection to the new born.

The length of time for which you will produce antibodies after exposure and over what time they will endure has been studied, and the conservative estimate (which led to recommendation of jab at 28 weeks onwards) has been relaxed a bit. But there's no way it lasts 30 months!

[GinIsIn]

I was afraid that might be the case! Thanks all. I've already had the flu shot, will have to woman up and prepare for another needle stick!

[lalaland1985]

What about if you have actually had whooping cough (age10) yourself?

[scaevola]

You still require the jab to stimulate your body to produce antibodies at the right time for transfer across the placenta.

It does not matter whether your immunity is from jab or disease, what does matter is the stimulus at the right time during pregnancy to produce the protective effect for your DC.

[lalaland1985]

Thank you scaevola

[nataliefruit]

It's not so bad - I HATE needles but I still had it done & it stung a little but that's all. Feel your pain tho xx