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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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Original poster

Poll: are you having/had whooping cough vaccine?

77 replies

Tea1Sugar · 11/03/2014 17:49

I know it's an individual choice so I'm not asking for people's reasoning. I'm 34 weeks with dc2, never offered to me with dc1 so can't decide. I've read all the press and literature on it and still undecided. So just wondering how many women are actually taking it up.

Thought I'd try a bit of a poll. Yes or no?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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PenguinsEatSpinach · 11/03/2014 20:57

Yes. Having seen whooping cough in a young child was enough for me. I understand why others don't though.

I second the sore arm thing. It was about five days before I could use my left arm.

CarlyKins · 11/03/2014 21:01

Me personally - I would recommend having it done. Even though the chances of them getting whooping cough is very small, it's definitely worth it. My midwife recommended it and am glad she did as didn't realise how serious the affects can be. I had my jab done at 27 weeks, had a sore arm and felt a bit rubbish after but that's nothing and I'd go through a million times worse just to make sure my baby will be ok. It's each to their own and u should do what feels right for yourself, but at least if u do have it then it's in and out the doctors really quickly and u know ur baby is well protected from it x

dylsmimi · 11/03/2014 21:06

I had whooping cough vaccine (it also includes updates of other vaccines as they don't separate it from the one your baby has later on Iyswim) and flu vaccine with ds2. Had the flu and swine flu vaccine with ds1. So obviously know /appreciate how important vaccjnation programmes are
only side effect was a sore arm. Ds2 is now over 1 and so far no problems
do what you think is right for you and your baby.

MidnightRose · 11/03/2014 21:21

I'm a biomedical scientist, specialising in immunology and I would always reccomend the whooping cough vaccine. Its not exactly the same one used in America as in the carrier for the virus is slightly different, it is also the same vaccine that has been used on preschoolers for years.

Yes, the risk of catching whooping cough is low because of....VACCINATION, but actually the risk is a lot higher than in recent years due to lower vaccination rates. Having seen what can happen if you dont vaccinate and protect your newborn, it's a complete no brainer for me.

greentshirt · 11/03/2014 21:26

MidnightRose, to be clear, I only havent vaccinated in pregnancy, I will be getting my baby vaccinated as per the vaccination programme when he is born, just not while I am pregnant.

KateG2010 · 11/03/2014 21:32

Just to add that I'm generally very provaccination, and will be getting my baby his jabs at 2 months as this is a well established protocol. I think the only question for a lot of us here (certainly for me) is whether or not to get the vaccine while pregnant, and not whether to get it at all. I personally don't think there is enough known on the effect of the vaccine in pregnancy, and in a lot of important ways a foetus is totally different from a child (such as dependency on the placenta, underdeveloped organs so unable to excrete toxins etc).

It may well be fine in pregnancy, I just think we don't know enough at this point to categorically say that. It's a difficult choice and I respect people coming down on either side of the debate.

Incidently, I'm also a post-doc in Biomedical Science and a practicing Research Scientist (if that matters :-) ).

Seff · 11/03/2014 21:37

Do we know that giving the vaccination in pregnancy definitely protects the baby once born?

randdom · 11/03/2014 21:47

I am having it done in a couple of weeks. I love in an area with a very low vaccination rate compared to the national average and where there have been deaths in the last year of wc in babies. I had a chat with my dad who is a virologist and after that I felt it was the right thing to do.

Nades84 · 11/03/2014 22:09

I had mine at 28 weeks, the day after my anti D (very organised!) Arm was a bit sore for a couple of days but that's it. Yes the chances of the baby getting wc are small but that's because of vaccinations, the less people who vaccinate the more the risk will go up. I'd rather take the chance and have the jab than risk my baby getting ill after birth x

DinoSnores · 11/03/2014 22:20

Yes, I had it & will have it again if it is advised this time.

Deb2202 · 11/03/2014 22:22

Yes I had it when pregnant with ds2 no side effects. Wasn't on offer for ds1.

My brother contracted whooping cough as a baby in the late 70's after my mum chose not to vaccinate him due to a scare at the time, he was v poorly for a long time (I think months) my mums never quite forgiven herself Hmm But thats the chance we all take when trying to weigh up risks.

ananikifo · 11/03/2014 22:24

I had it, sometime in September so can't remember how many weeks pregnant I was. My only side effect was sore arm. A tip: if you always sleep on one side, make sure you get the injection in the other side.

rachyconks · 11/03/2014 22:25

Had it in September 2012 with DD1 and in January this year for DC2. No side effects either time - apart from a bloody sore arm!

weebigmamma · 12/03/2014 03:38

I had it a few weeks ago. No side effects. My arm was itchy for a week but that was it. MUCH better than me or baby getting whooping cough. WC cases have shot up where I live and it's really nasty, would hate to see a baby with it.

Roseandmabelshouse · 12/03/2014 07:49

Yes, definitely

I'm a midwife.

Writerwannabe83 · 12/03/2014 07:53

I had it at 28 weeks - had a sore arm for a few days but have been otherwise far.

A few years ago in my job I looked after a newborn in HDU with whooping cough - she was a very, very poorly little girl - I couldn't risk it.

Seff · 12/03/2014 07:53

I will vaccinate baby once born, but I don't want to receive the vaccination whilst pregnant.

Is it a proven fact that babies whose mothers get vaccinated in pregnancy are immune from WC? Does that mean they don't need to be vaccinated against WC at 8 weeks?

OrangeMochaFrappucino · 12/03/2014 08:01

I had it at 31 weeks, couldn't believe how sore my arm was for days after! I have had a cough since then that I can't shift three weeks on, however I am sure that's just coincidence as there are a lot of nasty bugs around atm.

I think baby still needs the vax at eight weeks and this one just helps to protect them in the interim as the consequences of whooping cough in a newborn can be so severe.

I'm pro-vaccine and found it an easy decision to make. I'm not worried about it at all.

weebigmamma · 12/03/2014 08:05

Yes, the baby still needs the jab at 8 weeks.

Nahmate · 12/03/2014 08:23

Yes I've had it at 31weeks

but I did have a nasty reaction to it but thats just me, I seem to have a reaction to most things :s

HowAboutNo · 12/03/2014 10:45

I did it bang on 28 weeks.

Discussed it with my doctor who I trust, and felt fine about it. Arm slightly sore for a day or so.

Original poster
Tea1Sugar · 12/03/2014 14:47

Thanks for your views. It seems the majority have had it or will have it. I spoke to my midwife friend who I knew would be honest with me and she said to definitely. First appointment available isn't for a fortnight so I'll be 36+2 but have been assured that anytime before 38 weeks is fine.

OP posts:
patsy375 · 12/03/2014 15:00

Yes.
I believe that if you're prepared to give it to your children once they're born then why you wouldn't have it yourself?

JollyMarie79 · 12/03/2014 16:32

No

highlandfling10 · 12/03/2014 16:50

I had it yesterday – I’m 29weeks. Didn't realize till I went along it was a combined vaccine – polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough in one. Not had any side effects apart from a bit of a numb arm (after sleeping on that side last night..).