Vaccination against whooping cough during pregnancy

When is a vaccination against whooping cough advisable during pregnancy?

Vaccination against whooping cough during pregnancy is safe and does not lead to complications for the developing baby. It is recommended in the third trimester, preferably before the 36th week of pregnancy. It is a combined vaccine – against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. It is recommended by gynaecologists for every pregnant woman between the 27th and 36th week. You can be vaccinated at your family doctor’s practice or by your gynaecologist.

Benefits of the whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy

Vaccination against whooping cough is recommended for all expectant mothers during pregnancy. It not only protects the mother, but also the newborn in the first few weeks of its life. This is because the baby cannot be vaccinated against whooping cough until it is six weeks old. An infection with whooping cough in a newborn can have serious consequences, which is why it is so important to ensure adequate protection.

Whooping cough – what is this disease?

Whooping cough is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by bacteria. It spreads mainly through droplet infection. It affects the respiratory tract and its most common symptom is a chronic cough. Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for infants and young children, where it can lead to complications such as respiratory distress, pneumonia and even death. The so-called cocoon strategy, i.e. the immunisation of people who come into contact with small children, is therefore very important to protect them from infection.