Whooping cough vaccine

[Excited85]

I'm after a bit of advice. I've just seen info advising that all pg women are now offered the whooping cough vaccine. However, I didn't have this vaccine as a child because my uncle died from it (the jab) and my father had a very bad reaction. When I was born even the GP suggested for me not to have it. Obviously I want to protect my baby as much as I can but am concerned that the vaccine will be risky for both me and the baby however on the other hand I wouldn't want baby to get ill because he hasn't had it... I'm not sure if perhaps I would get extra monitoring following if I decided to get the jab. I guess my question is - what would you do?

It was a no-brainier for me. Had it at 29 weeks and now I am nearly 40 weeks. I had no side affects apart from a sore arm for two days.

The nurse at my doctors told me it wouldn't harm me or baby, being that it's not a live vaccine so therefore there is nothing in it that can harm our babies, just protect them.

where I am it is no longer being offered to pg women as the cases of whooping cough have become so low (surely they will rise.again if they stop vaccinating but thats a separate issue!!) so speak to your mw about the need for it etc but I'm 29 weeks and been told its not necessary.

The vaccine containing pertussis (whooping cough) used now is completely different to the vaccine used in the 1960s, 70s, 80s and early 90s.

The newer acellular vaccination has many less side effects than the older wholecell vaccine.

can I just say I take back my previous comment, checked what I was told (by gp!!!) with mw and she said that was nonsense and I'm now booked in to have my jab on Monday!!

Talk to your doc and get more than one opinion .

I have recently seen 2 friends who happen to tell me by accident after I asked them why they were coughing so much -they casually said We have a whopping cough! They knew I am pregnant yet they were carrying on their lives as normal seeing friends and mixing with everyone.
I was beyond furious . I still am .
I'm watching myself for any signs at the moment. I really hope I have not caught it.

Rhianna, whooping cough is only contagious for 2-3 weeks after developing the cough (less if given antibiotics) but the cough lasts for months, so your friends will be able to go about their normal lives while still coughing, but not be infectious. Hopefully you have nothing to worry about there!

Yes I have read on it when i found out and yes it's true your contagious first few weeks . But for me it's irresponsible to be around newborns and preg women which was the case with me and my friend's newborn -even if they aren't contagious.

You tell ppl first if they are ok with u being around before u force ur bugs on them whether ur contagious or not . I have had a weakened immune system recently and I don't need more drama in my life .