Reports of whooping cough cases are currently high across the country. Pregnant women are being urged to take up the whooping cough vaccine when offered to help protect their babies until they are able to have the vaccine at eight weeks old.

Bexley’s Director of Public Health, Dr Nicole Klynman said:

Whooping cough is a serious infection that makes it hard to breath.  In serious cases in young babies it can lead to pneumonia and brain damage. The whooping cough vaccine helps to protect your baby in their first few weeks of life until they are old enough to receive their first dose.  

Whooping cough numbers are on the rise. It is an infection that is easily spread and as such I would encourage mums-to-be to take up the offer of this important vaccination.”

The vaccine is usually offered to women after their 20-week scan. Vaccines can be given from as early as 16 weeks and women remain eligible beyond 32 weeks until they give birth. 

Mums-to-be can contact their midwife or GP surgery if they have reached week 20 of their pregnancy and are unsure whether they have had the vaccine. 

Find out more about the whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy.