22 week injection: everything you need to know about the whooping cough vaccination

Whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy: protection of two

As we welcome new life into the world, we as midwives want to emphasize how crucial it is to invest in the health of both yourself as a mother-to-be and the future baby. Whooping cough, a serious illness for babies, requires special attention and the whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy plays a key role in this.

Whooping cough: a dangerous threat

Whooping cough is a contagious disease caused by a bacterium that causes coughing fits that can last for months. For babies, this disease is particularly dangerous, as they are not yet protected in the first months after birth and are vulnerable to serious complications such as pneumonia and brain damage. Approximately 170 babies are admitted to hospital with whooping cough each year.

The Power of Prevention: Whooping Cough Vaccination During Pregnancy

An effective way to protect both the expectant mother and the baby from whooping cough is to get the whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy. This vaccination, available from 22 weeks of pregnancy, ensures that antibodies are passed through the placenta to the baby, protecting it in the first months after birth.

Practical benefits: also protection against diphtheria and tetanus

The whooping cough vaccination not only offers protection against whooping cough but also against diphtheria and tetanus. An additional advantage is that when the expectant mother gets this vaccination, the baby gets one less shot and only starts with his own vaccinations a month later.

How does the whooping cough vaccination work?

After the whooping cough vaccination, the body produces antibodies that are transferred to the unborn baby via the placenta. This process begins around the 17th week of pregnancy and becomes progressively stronger, so that the baby has sufficient antibodies for the first months of its life.

Make an appointment for the whooping cough vaccination

Expectant mothers are encouraged to get the whooping cough vaccination after the 22nd week of pregnancy. An appointment for this can be made at the local child health clinic. It is important to do this as soon as possible after the 22nd week to ensure that even in the case of premature birth the baby is sufficiently protected.

Safety and side effects

The whooping cough vaccine, Boostrix® from GSK, is safe for both mother and baby. The side effects centre Lareb has done extensive research into possible side effects, which are generally mild and disappear on their own. Serious side effects are very rare.

Mothers of Tomorrow: research and participation

The Adverse Drug Reactions Centre Lareb is conducting the 'Mothers of Tomorrow' study, which collects data from pregnant women on the use of medicines and vaccines during pregnancy. This data contributes to better advice in the future. Expectant mothers are invited to participate in this study via www.moedersvanmorgen.nl.

Conclusion

As a midwifery practice, we are ready to guide and inform, so that every pregnancy means a healthy start to the new life. For more information and to make an appointment, visit www.22wekenprik.nlOf course you can always ask us your questions.

Love,

The midwives of PuurBegin