Midwives back whooping cough vaccination for pregnant women

Commenting on the launch of the Department of Health whooping cough vaccination campaign today (Friday, 28 September 2012), Louise Silverton, deputy general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “This campaign has our full support. Whooping cough is on the increase among young babies and it can be a dangerous and potentially fatal infection.

“We encourage pregnant women to have the vaccine in the final trimester of pregnancy to protect themselves and their baby from the disease in the first weeks after it is born. Having the vaccination will also help to stop the spread of the disease to other people. If any pregnant woman is unsure about this I would encourage them to speak to their midwife or doctor to discuss the issue.

“Women must also be aware of the importance of having the seasonal flu vaccination as soon as they become pregnant.”