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

Whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy: protection of two

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

Whooping cough: a dangerous threat

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

The power of prevention: Whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy

An effective way to protect both the expectant mother and the baby against whooping cough is to get the whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy. This vaccination, available from 22 weeks of pregnancy, ensures that antibodies pass 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 provides protection against whooping cough but also against diphtheria and tetanus. An additional advantage is that if the expectant mother gets this vaccination, the baby will receive one fewer injection and will only start its 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 starts around the 17th week of pregnancy and becomes progressively stronger, ensuring 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 health clinic nearby. It is important to do this as soon as possible after the 22nd week to ensure that even at 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 Lareb side effects center has conducted 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 Pharmacovigilance Center Lareb conducts the 'Mothers of Tomorrow' study, where data is collected from pregnant women about 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 provide guidance and information, so that every pregnancy means a healthy start to a new life. For more information and to make an appointment, visit www.22vrouwenprik.nl. Of course you can always ask us your questions.