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Original poster

Whooping cough jab

322 replies

blonderthanred · 28/09/2012 07:43

Anyone got any views on this?

I just read on the BBC website that due to the recent cases, pg women are all to be offered a whooping cough jab between 28-38 weeks, to take place at a routine antenatal appt.

I'm 34+3 so I guess they may offer it next week when I go in - it doesn't say whether there will be any notification or info sent, or if I will just be told/offered it on the day. What do people think about this issue, it seems a sudden decision which makes me nervous but I guess there will have been a longer thought process. Plenty of people have the flu jab when pg although I believe that only offers the mother protection, not the baby (?) so I don't know if there are any risks or even if it crosses the placenta.

I was born in '76 when there was a scare about the baby wh cough jab (recently proven false) so I didn't have it and then caught wh cough. I don't know if that will make any difference.

OP posts:
AliceHurled · 03/10/2012 17:49

Totally baffled then if it's says breast milk doesn't protect and compares it to 'other infections'. Contradicts my understanding about breast milk generally which does pass antibodies generally speaking. MW confirmed this the other day. Makes no sense. Just adds to the feeling of total Confused

ValiumQueen · 03/10/2012 19:26

They are going to be getting a single WC vaccine, but at the moment believe that the combined jab is better than nowt.

Longtalljosie · 03/10/2012 19:49

Alice - I think the concern is that women will think "I don't need the jab, I'll get it after I have the baby and then breastfeed". Which given that our BF rates are crap, won't do the job nationwide. And while BM contains antibodies, it's not as good as a vaccine. But if you're at the very end of your pregnancy (as I am) it's a hell of a lot better than nothing...

ValiumQueen · 03/10/2012 19:49

Have started a thread in Mumsnet campaigns. Hope it does not turn into a bunfight

AliceHurled · 03/10/2012 19:54

That makes sense Longtalljosie. Like the 'don't drink any alcohol' cos we is too fick to understand the nuance. I have an appt for after my due date, which doesn't sound the most useful. But figured then I could at least be some help with BF.

Longtalljosie · 03/10/2012 20:11

Very similar, I think. I noted in the NHS leaflet on whooping cough the FAQ was something like "I was inoculated as a child, can't I pass on the antibodies in my breastmilk" - which conflates two issues - the fact that the vaccine will have worn off - with breastfeeding and antibodies. I was a bit Hmm at that.

Original poster
blonderthanred · 04/10/2012 12:10

Just had a phone call from the community midwife with whom I was booked in for my jabs at 12.30. Guess what? She can't do them. Rang the GP receptionist who booked me in and told her what the cmw had said, that I needed an appt with the practice nurse. She said that the PN was very busy with flu jabs but I explained I was short of time due to being induced in 2wks+5 so she has found me an appointment tomorrow.

She said, "you know the trouble is they issued all this info to the news agencies but there's been no communication with us" - i.e. GPs, midwives or nurses, the people who will be administering and administrating it. So exactly the problem we've been saying all along.

VQ I am happy to join a campaign but I think the MN Campaigns section is only for their campaigns, unless there's another section I'm not aware of?

OP posts:
steben · 04/10/2012 12:25

Final update from me - had it today along with flu jab. Apparently I am the first person to have it, and that us only because I have been on the phone to everyone at that surgery bar the cleaner I think Blush

The nurse said the jab would be rolled out from next week in specialist clinics - and for the ladies talking about the breast milk situation she told me unprompted that if I were to deliver early etc then to breast feed as much as possible to pass antibodies onto baby that way. Anyway good luck to rest if you at the later stages!

ShellyBobbs · 04/10/2012 13:11

I'm just off to my surgery now, just to recap my little fight.

1 Went into surgery on Friday, they knew nothing - fair enough, pissed off about the communication issue, complained to MP about national announcement before informing primary care trusts.

2 Monday, phoned surgery - we don't know nuffin, phone back later in the week. I telephoned the immunisation co-ordinator at my local PCT to find out what was going on. All surgeries in the area had been emailed by herself Friday AND Monday morning with instructions. Confirmation that my surgery was included. Will give them a days grace to get their stuff in order.

3 Tuesday phoned surgery - we still know nuffin, phone back later in the week. Advised them that they did, they had all information, should have ordered extra stocks as freely available and no delay and should now be taking appointments. We still know nuffin........ Left my details, details of person who sent email at PCT and told them I'd be in to speak to manager and to get my appointment tomorrow. Sent an update to PCT and complained about surgery to MP.

4 Have received a response from PCT saying they are taking it up with the practice manager and that there will be no problem with me making an appointment tomorrow (today).

So I'll let you know what happens in a few hours :)

MsElisaDay · 04/10/2012 13:56

After much confusion and various conflicting messages from my doctor's surgery, I had the whooping cough jab this morning.

This comes after I went into the surgery on Saturday for my flu jab and they knew nothing of it then. Rang on Monday, still nothing, then rang yesterday and was told they'd be in touch with all pregnant women at some point next week.
Then, when I turned up for my 36-week appointment with the midwife this morning, they'd just got a stock of the jabs in and were offering them to all women coming into the waiting room, before they saw the midwife.

So I had it done there and then. One slight word of warning though - it's left me very woozy indeed, which is most unlike me. I never tend to react to things, but I feel extremely tired and quite spaced out. Will be interesting to hear if anyone else experiences this.

ValiumQueen · 04/10/2012 14:01

Good luck shelly. Do not take no for an answer. Not that you would.

blonder MNHQ suggested I post there. Nobody has posted. I put a note on the due Oct thread, and Nov thread knows, so I guess everyone else will get invited for vaccination once it is rolled out officially.

My arm is really quite sore, and a bit red and lumpy. I tend to react a bit to vaccines so not overly worried. Could not sleep on that side last two nights, which is probably contributing to my hip pain.

I think this thread has done a lot of good, giving individuals the confidence to get firm with their GPs, which is not an easy thing to do, so thank you for starting it Thanks

ValiumQueen · 04/10/2012 14:05

elisa I felt a bit woozy, but I think that was just relief at having had it, and the near immediate fear of thinking perhaps I shouldn't have had that. Has it passed now? If not, might be best just to give your surgery a call. It is important they report side effects, I will be reporting the swelling, lumpiness and redness. They might want to check you too. Perhaps it was the shock that they were showing initiative Grin

flutterbynight · 04/10/2012 14:14

I have my vaccine booked for Monday but have just had the letter from my GP which states that "this is the vaccine that we give routinely to the babies at 8 weeks" - that can't be right can it? I've read that pediacel is given to babies and that repevax is what we pregnant ladies are going to be vaccinated with - anyone else in the know who can confirm this? I called my surgery but was told the doctors wouldn't know and the nurse, who would know, isn't in today!

Clarella · 04/10/2012 14:45

Just to add what's happened in my neck of the woods - I had a final slapped cheek blood test this morning (not needed but out of 4 medical people 2 said do it, 2 said don't bother so just did it) and so was going to ask about whooping cough and just go to the flu drop ins the surgery had next week, as had been told it will be practice nurses administering whooping cough, but on tues they had had no idea when.

Was running stupidly late and thought would have to reschedule but so was nurse. When I got in she'd literally just been handed the first boxes of both flu and whooping cough vaccines (late was good for once!) and had them out for me - this is Newcastle and I'm 32 wks. She dithered over which arm for which and said they'd had absolutely no idea about the whooping cough vac. I've felt like Popeye as then walked round town carrying bags of 3 for 2 sudocrem etc but feel fine, flu arm probably a little more sore out of the two.

She did say it was the same as the under 3's vac with the other vaccinations in it.

OctoberOctober · 04/10/2012 15:31

FINALLY had the jab - I'll be 39 weeks tomorrow. Have been on at the surgery every day since Friday and was pushing to get it earlier than next MW appt next mon give how far along I am. MW called this morning to say she could do it today, under her nurse hat rather than MW hat as they haven't agreed funding Angry

Still prob too late to pass on fully immunity to baby but figure it has to be better than nothing...

For those asking about the vaccine itself, it was repevax and contains 3 other doses as well. Is the one they usually administer to preschoolers.

ValiumQueen · 04/10/2012 16:01

They hope to get the WC only vaccine, but that will take time. Seeing as though it is urgent for some, having the pre-schooler one is better than nothing.

october hope your baby is late Grin. It is still better than nothing, and it will get some antibodies.

wkmmum · 04/10/2012 16:03

Had mine about an hour ago along with my flu jab. So far I feel ok. Didn't ask exactly what was in it but she did say it had tetanus in as well xx

DonnaDoon · 04/10/2012 16:13

My surgery still no nowt :( trying again tomorrow and attending MPs workshop.

Goldrill · 04/10/2012 18:58

Right, there need to be new words invented to describe how BLOODY FURIOUS I am at this moment. After waiting in the docs for half an hour, I went in to see the nurse who said she couldn't give me the jab because I'm 39 weeks. She said it was only available up to 38 weeks according to their guidance. Someone is going to be seriously shouted at tomorrow morning: don't make me a sodding appointment if you're not going to give me the vaccine for a start, and then the PCT to see what their guidance actually is and why. Ooh - I am so annoyed!!!

DaffyDuck88 · 05/10/2012 00:15

I called my surgery on Monday to book for a flu jab and was told I would have to wait until November for an appointment, I then also asked about the whooping cough booster and when the receptionist checked with the nurse was told as I am 29 weeks to come in asap the nurse would do both at the same time! Just had them today. The nurse said they would make every effort to fit mothers in around other patients especially if they were even closer to their due date. I'd push to get the receptionist to check with the nurse as they are taking it very seriously.

ShellyBobbs · 05/10/2012 06:03

Well, mine doesn't give 2 shits!

Receptionist hadn't even heard of it when I asked today, this is after the PCT has supposedly spoken to the practice manager Angry, she asked if I meant the flu jab. Practice manager not in and nurse who is in charge of setting it all up not in either!!!!

Press today now, I'm so fucked off!!!

Not even a reply off my MP either even though I've emailed him 3 times since last Saturday. What a complete shower of shit.....

Fisharefriendsnotfood · 05/10/2012 08:09

I was given an apt on Monday for this morning, they rang yesterday to say they didn't think they would have stock but would keep me informed, I explained that I am 36+3 and have c section at 39, they later phoned back saying a small amount of vaccine due in afternoon and they had prioritised me and could I come at 5.30...

Pretty impressed really ( NW )

OctoberOctober · 05/10/2012 08:26

ShelleyBobs and Goldrill - that is completely bloody annoying when it doesn't feel like they are taking you seriously and have no clue. It is supposed to be their JOB to know about these jabs yet we seem to be better informed than half the admin staff.

Can you try to speak to your midwives and see if they can push for you to have it? That is how I ended up getting both flu and wc jabs, MW seemed to be administering all of these to pregnant women although she muttered something about there being funding issues although I was past caring at that point!

ValiumQueen · 05/10/2012 08:37

goldrill be furious. Be very furious and tackle them head on. You surely are the highest of priorities. Have you spoken to Public Health? Not that you should have to. There are links further upthread that you could perhaps print off? They clearly state that mums will be given it hopefully pre birth, if not, post birth. Ideally we would have this at 34 weeks, but 39 is better than not at all. There is a chance your baby will get some antibodies, which is better than nothing. We never want our babies to be late, but with the WC situation, hopefully they are so they can get the best protection possible. Good luck! Is there anyone else who could support you in this? Your MP - do they do a drop in clinic? At 39 weeks you should not have this stress.

ValiumQueen · 05/10/2012 08:38

I had mine tuesday at 35+5, due section at 39. Arm still sore, lumpy and red, but so pleased I have had it.

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