Pertussis vaccine (whooping cough)

5 replies

chillichoclove · 04/05/2024 22:04

I wonder if everyone knows there is a bad pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak at the moment. It's a nasty infection but particularly bad in infants less than three months (mortality 1/100 babies!) The vaccine should be offered during pregnancy around 28 weeks. We have excellent safety data on this vaccine in pregnancy and it saves lives. Please ask your midwife or GP!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Original poster

chillichoclove · 09/05/2024 14:42

www.gov.uk/government/news/whooping-cough-cases-continue-to-rise#:~:text=9%20May%202024-,New%20data%20published%20today%20by%20the%20UK%20Health%20Security%20Agency,cases%20in%202024%20to%202%2C793.

OP posts:

thesmedsandthesmoos · 09/05/2024 14:46

Anyone unsure about getting the vaccine should read this (TW: infant loss): https://www.unicef.org.au/stories/light-for-riley

The loss of a child from whooping cough

This is a mother's powerfully honest story of love, loss and action for children. Her son Riley passed away only 32 days old from whooping cough.

https://www.unicef.org.au/stories/light-for-riley

SilverBranchGoldenPears · 09/05/2024 14:51

I had whooping cough as a child and it was one of the worst experiences of my life - and I’ve had plenty of bad experiences.
Everyone should get vaccinated! Protect yourself and the vulnerable people around you!

Peonies12 · 09/05/2024 14:53

In my NHS trust they give it to you whilst you’re there for 20 week scan, great idea.

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 09/05/2024 14:53

Please also read this: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68982968 All the babies who died were under 3 months old. What a tragedy for all concerned.

Whooping cough: Cases up again as five infant deaths reported

There were 1,300 cases of the bacterial infection in March, after just over 900 in February in England.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68982968

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