Dr Chantal Migone
Consultant in Public Health Medicine
Pregnant women should have access to factual, expert-led whooping cough vaccine information, so they can make informed choices about their pregnancy health and wellbeing.
Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, is a very contagious infection which can cause life-threatening illness in babies. This year, in Ireland, we have seen a rise in whooping cough, particularly in babies under six months of age. Thankfully, you can protect your baby by getting your whooping cough booster vaccine in pregnancy. Here is what you need to know:
What is whooping cough?
It is caused by a bacterial infection of the airways and lungs. The start of the whooping cough illness in children may seem just like the common cold with a runny nose, cough and a slight temperature. The cough can develop into coughing fits, which have a ‘whoop’ sound, and these fits can be followed by vomiting. In small babies, there might not be a cough. Instead, babies can have spells where they stop breathing.
How does whooping cough spread?
It spreads through contact with droplets from coughs and sneezes. Younger children often get the infection from older siblings or adults in the family who may be carrying the germ in their nose and throat but have mild symptoms and might not seem too unwell.
This year, in Ireland, we have seen a
rise in whooping cough, particularly
in babies under six months of age.
What complications can whooping cough cause?
The infection can cause serious complications. Babies may have spells where they stop breathing. Other complications of whooping cough include pneumonia, dehydration, seizures and inflammation of the brain.
Who is most at risk of whooping cough?
Babies under six months of age are most at risk as their immune system is still developing. If babies under six months of age get whooping cough, half will end up in hospital.
How can I protect my new baby from whooping cough?
Getting the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy helps to protect your young baby from whooping cough.
When in pregnancy should I get this vaccine?
This vaccine is best given between 16 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, and it is available free of charge from your GP.
For more information, visit www.immunisation.ie
