Antenatal maternal pertussis

Antenatal maternal pertussis (whooping cough) immunisation program

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Babies less than 6 months of age are at higher risk of hospitalisation and death after pertussis (whooping cough) infection. In the last outbreak of whooping cough between 2008 and 2011 there were 6 infant deaths across Australia. There are signs that whopping cough is on the rise again.

Ways of protecting babies during whooping cough outbreaks include vaccination of the mother before pregnancy, vaccination of the mother (and other family members) after childbirth, and early vaccination of babies at 6 weeks of age. Vaccination during third trimester of pregnancy is likely to be better for protecting you baby because antibodies are transferred to your baby through the placenta. Studies have now estimated that third trimester vaccination is highly effective in preventing whooping cough in young infants.

Women in public hospitals in NSW were up until recently able to receive dTpa (adult diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine otherwise known by the trade name Boostrix) on discharge from the post-natal ward.

Whooping cough vaccination is now recommended to pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation (ideally between 28 and 32 weeks). It is available free of charge from your antenatal care provider (GP or antenatal clinic).

South Western Sydney Local Health District has commenced a program where the vaccine will be given to women at the antenatal clinic. By early 2016 we aim to be providing the vaccine to women free of charge between 28 to 32 weeks at all antenatal clinics in the LHD.

WHAT IS WHOOPING COUGH?

Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a highly infectious bacterial disease that causes severe bouts of coughing. In adults, the symptoms can be mild, but if the infection is spread to a baby who is not yet vaccinated, it can be life threatening.

IS THE VACCINATION SAFE?

Yes, the vaccine is safe for both the pregnant woman and baby when given during pregnancy. Studies from the US and UK involving more than 40,000 pregnant women found only mild side effects such as pain or redness in the arm where the vaccination was given. It doesn't increase the risk of serious pregnancy complications such as prematurity and the National Health and Medical Research Council has recently updated recommendations for pregnant women to be vaccinated in their third trimester.

I AM PREGNANT, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

Talk to your antenatal care provider about getting a free whooping cough vaccine in your third trimester.

You can also protect yourself and your baby from the dangerous effects of the flu during pregnancy by asking your doctor for the flu vaccine which can be given at any stage during your pregnancy

As part of this new program a sticker will be placed on your yellow card with a section for recording the date you vaccines were given. If you receive a whooping cough or influenza vaccine at any time during your pregnancy, please make sure your care provider (GP, midwife, private obstetrician, workplace, etc.) documents the details onto this sticker.

Carers and close family members who have not had a whooping cough vaccine in the past 10 years can also sure that they are vaccinated at least two weeks before they have any contact with your baby.

MORE INFORMATION

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

If you have read all the above information and still have further questions or would like to talk to a health professional about the whooping cough and/or the vaccine in pregnancy, please contact us by completing the online enquiry form below. Please expect up to 5 working days before you receive a call back.

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