Whooping cough vaccine UK

[LouiseB29]

I’m pregnant with my first. Had my 16 week midwife appointment today, she said I could book in for my whooping cough vaccine, I did and it’s tomorrow when I’m 16+1. Has anybody else had it when they’re 16 weeks or waited until later, I’ve seen a few things about waiting until after the 20 week scan. Just want to make sure I’m doing what’s best for baby. Thank you!

I had it at my 20 week scan but that's only because I was in the hospital anyway so it made sense to combine. My understanding is it's fine any time after 16 weeks 🙂

I thought it was better given later on 28-32 weeks, definitely before 36. Could be wrong but that's what I remember. Also so you know it's not just whooping cough it 4 in 1 I think.

My midwife said anytime after 16 weeks, apparently research has shown its more effective the earlier given, not sure if that's new advice.

I had it at 16 weeks with both of mine, no issues.

Midwife here - any time after 16 is fine. A lot of trusts just offer it at the 20 week scan because that’s when they can catch a lot of people😊

Thank you everybody :)

Ah thank you, I didn’t know that!

It’s ideally given between 16-28 weeks, but the earlier the better really. It can be given up to delivery (and beyond) but will be less effective.

It’s now ideally a 3 in 1 vaccine of diphtheria tetanus and pertussis called Adacel. Some areas may still offer the 4 in 1 which also contains polio, called Boostrix-IPV.

Are you sure? Pretty sure mine was only whooping cough but that was a couple of years ago now

@LouiseB29 Found the info on the vaccine. It's 3 in 1 or 4 in 1 depending on what is available.

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/whooping-cough-vaccination/

Very sure. They only mention the whooping cough element most of the time.

No it will have been a combined vaccine as there is no single pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine.

I don't think there is a whooping cough only vaccine available to use in the first place.

Oh ok. That’s good