You can recommended to have the vaccine between 16 and 32 weeks, as the peak of the antibody takes two weeks. However, although there is no guarantee we can protect the baby, you will be protected and less likely to give it to your baby. You can also get vaccinated up to two months after delivery for this reason, until the baby has their first primary immunisation.
Whooping Cough vaccine - frequently asked questions
Yes, you can have the whooping cough vaccine when you get the flu vaccine, but do not delay your flu jab so that you can have both at the same time.
Yes. Also you still need to have the vaccination again, even if you have contracted whooping cough. The vaccine provides a booster to your antibody production and therefore protects your baby.
Yes, one vaccine is enough for multiple pregnancies.
It is recommended that you are vaccinated every pregnancy, even if a previous pregnancy didn’t go to full term.
There is no whooping cough-only vaccine, the vaccine you'll be given also protects against polio, diphtheria and tetanus. The vaccine is called Boostrix IPV. Boostrix IPV is similar to the 4-in-1 vaccine – the pre-school booster that's routinely given to children before they start school. There isn’t an alternative to having the vaccine to protect your unborn from whooping cough.
The vaccine will provide enough protection for your baby until their first immunisations at 8 weeks.