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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Is whooping cough still a serious risk?

9 replies

owlface · 30/01/2013 07:09

Whooping cough was all over the news a few months ago but I haven't heard anything about it since then. I had a letter a while ago from my GP inviting me to have the jab but it was too early at that point. I'm 32 weeks now and would rather not have the jab if the risk has lessened {but I'm not against immunisations and would have the jab if necessary). Saw my midwife yesterday and she didn't mention it and I forgot to ask.
Does anyone know the current situation?

OP posts:
OddBoots · 30/01/2013 07:15

In November (the most recent report I can see) cases were at a 20 year high and expected to grow, so yes, it's still a serious risk.

The jab isn't for your sake, it's to give your baby some immunity while it is still too tiny to have a jab his or her self.

You probably saw this but here is the NHS page: Whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy

12ylnon · 30/01/2013 07:48

I'm not entirely sure about the current risk, but i saw my midwife two weeks ago and she pleaded with me to have the jab for the sake of my baby (i really didn't need persuading, i take most jabs going!).
I believe the reason you have it later on in pregnancy is so that your child is still protected at birth.
IMO they wouldn't offer it routinely if they didn't think it was necessary.

TwoCatsAndABabyBump · 30/01/2013 07:50

My consultant checked with me yesterday that I had had it. I hate needles but would rather me go through an injection than my newborn catching whooping cough when I could have prevented it.

Missingthemincepies · 30/01/2013 07:52

There were less cases in November than previously and the hope is that the cases will continue to decline. However, the number of cases are still very very high in comparison to previous years. Figures for December not yet released and it won't be for several months yet before we can be sure the threat is declining. HPA press release here.
I understand your concerns, I'm the same. 30 weeks and jab booked in for 2 weeks time. I was hoping the cases would have fallen more conclusively and I could safely give it a miss. On balance I'm going to keep the appointment.

Hope that helps.

CheerfulYank · 30/01/2013 07:56

My doctor told me to get it at my 28 week appointment, in early March.

Original poster
owlface · 30/01/2013 08:40

Thanks everyone, looks like it's still best to have the jab. It's hard to stay informed when topics fall out of the headlines!

OP posts:
lucybrad · 30/01/2013 09:35

there is a lot of whooping cough about, as there has been a surge incases recently. Its a really awful thing for a adult to catch let alone a child.I know someone with it currently and she has been sick for months. Its important to have the jab. Even if the threat is declining its still there, there is no evidenc that the jab will do you any harm at all.

JennyPiccolo · 30/01/2013 09:40

Get it! We're lucky to get these things for free, there are plenty of people in the world who'd love to have that dilemma.

BonaDea · 30/01/2013 11:58

Definitely get it. Several babies under the age of 8 weeks have died in England and Wales over the last few months. If you don't have a general objection to jabs, I don't really understand why you wouldn't get it.

The US have been doing this one for pregnant women for years and no ill effects have been identified.

I had it last week and confirm it's fine Grin

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