Whooping cough vaccine for pregnant women

[Mazzy17]

I am definitely going to get it, i had it when i was little and it was HORRIBLE

 

[themarshas]

I was also told that my tetnus shot- if I had had it from 2005-current would have been a tdap shot and not just tetnus like it once was. however I hadn't had one in just about 10 years so my last one hadn't included it... maybe that's some of the difference? Like Dr's don't want those who've had a tetnus shot, since its been a tdap shot, to have the others again?

 

[TryinFor1]

Interesting how drs in the same country advice different things. I was told that I needed the tdap between 24-28 weeks so my little one would have some protection from birth until 2 months when he could get it himself

Jealous! Lol. I would get it if he would have said ok, but I cant force the needle in his hand.

You can get it if you want. Your doctor doesn't get to make your medical decisions for you, you do.

Lol I understand that. but that is something that if my doctor says no, I am not gonna go against what he said. There are some things I will do if my doctor says not to, like sex for instance but not a vaccination.

 

[FlowerTots13]

Only just heard about this, and not sure what my opinion is on this.
Just a big cloud of worry has come over me now, so will most likely ask about it at my next appointment(28weeks) or even phone midwife up next week.
As for the flu jab, not been sure on this either...

 

[sevenofnine]

There are more questions I'd like answered on this, I'll post them here and see if anyone medical has any insight...

The vaccine itself - if we've had it before, are we not protected? How long do we create antibodies for after getting the jab? I'm 23, so it's not that long ago I had boosters (compared to my husband, who's 35, and my parents at 52). Just interested if the vaccine wears off after a certain amount of time, why aren't we offered boosters as a matter of course? Especially as whooping cough is on the increase? And if the immunity doesn't wear off, then why do we need a booster now?

The baby - does breastfeeding offer any protection? Is there any proof that the mother receiving the vaccine during pregnancy protects the baby, or is just theoretical?

Also, someone asked about the flu vaccine. I don't get the flu vaccine, but not because of any safety fears. I don't get it because it isn't actually effective against most strains of flu, only the ones prevalent the previous year. I'm sure I've also seen something that said it's unproven that it improves people's chances of not catching flu (but don't quote me on that, my research was a while ago now)

Anyone any thoughts?

From the DoH information:
"By immunising pregnant women against pertussis, the antibodies produced will cross the placenta to the foetus so that when the infant is born he/she already has antibodies against pertussis. This immunity is short-lived, diminishing over a few months. Therefore infants should still be immunised in accordance with the routine childhood immunisation schedule. Whilst breast-feeding is important for infants’ general health, it will not by itself prevent them becoming infected with pertussis (or other infections).
Whilst it is not known precisely how effective this approach will be, JCVI considers it is likely to be the most effective approach to help protect newborn infants from infection or to reduce
the severity of symptoms and the risk of serious complications. An additional benefit is that the protection the mother receives will also lower the risk that she becomes infected and passes it on to her infant."

What I got from that is that the vaccine is the best thing they can do to try and reduce risk, although they can't guarantee 100% effectiveness. And while breastfeeding does pass some antibodies, it's not enough by itself.

It says that the immunity is short-lived, lasting only a few months. Is this just for the infant, or also for the adult? I've read a few places that whooping cough vaccine only works temporarily, so shouldn't that mean that an adult would need a booster every few months (or however long until immunity decreased)? Or is it not the same for adults? (I don't remember where I even read that so it could be wrong.)

 

[rmsh1]

I will definitely get the whooping cough jab. And I got my flu jab today. I get it every year, and I never get any symptoms from it at all, other than a dead arm for a day or two. Last year my OH caught a nasty flu, was sick with it for two weeks, and I did not catch it. So even though the flu jab only protects against a few strains, I will take whatever I can get. Getting flu while pregnant would be horrible, not being able to take regular medication. I would not risk it

 

[rmsh1]

There are more questions I'd like answered on this, I'll post them here and see if anyone medical has any insight...

The vaccine itself - if we've had it before, are we not protected? How long do we create antibodies for after getting the jab? I'm 23, so it's not that long ago I had boosters (compared to my husband, who's 35, and my parents at 52). Just interested if the vaccine wears off after a certain amount of time, why aren't we offered boosters as a matter of course? Especially as whooping cough is on the increase? And if the immunity doesn't wear off, then why do we need a booster now?

The baby - does breastfeeding offer any protection? Is there any proof that the mother receiving the vaccine during pregnancy protects the baby, or is just theoretical?

Also, someone asked about the flu vaccine. I don't get the flu vaccine, but not because of any safety fears. I don't get it because it isn't actually effective against most strains of flu, only the ones prevalent the previous year. I'm sure I've also seen something that said it's unproven that it improves people's chances of not catching flu (but don't quote me on that, my research was a while ago now)

Anyone any thoughts?

From the DoH information:
"By immunising pregnant women against pertussis, the antibodies produced will cross the placenta to the foetus so that when the infant is born he/she already has antibodies against pertussis. This immunity is short-lived, diminishing over a few months. Therefore infants should still be immunised in accordance with the routine childhood immunisation schedule. Whilst breast-feeding is important for infants’ general health, it will not by itself prevent them becoming infected with pertussis (or other infections).
Whilst it is not known precisely how effective this approach will be, JCVI considers it is likely to be the most effective approach to help protect newborn infants from infection or to reduce
the severity of symptoms and the risk of serious complications. An additional benefit is that the protection the mother receives will also lower the risk that she becomes infected and passes it on to her infant."

What I got from that is that the vaccine is the best thing they can do to try and reduce risk, although they can't guarantee 100% effectiveness. And while breastfeeding does pass some antibodies, it's not enough by itself.

It says that the immunity is short-lived, lasting only a few months. Is this just for the infant, or also for the adult? I've read a few places that whooping cough vaccine only works temporarily, so shouldn't that mean that an adult would need a booster every few months (or however long until immunity decreased)? Or is it not the same for adults? (I don't remember where I even read that so it could be wrong.)

The immunity being short lived is only for the the infant, as they did not get the vaccine themselves. For the adult, I would think the immunity would last up to 10 years

 

[1liz9]

Already did! So did my dh and bro and parents / in laws.

There is a massive awareness campaign going on where I live given the potential danger to newborns. Signs at the gyno, pediatrician and hospitals make you sign a waiver if you elect not to...

Seriously, get this shot and have anyone in close proximity to lo get it too.

We had it as kids. At the time they thought it would vaccinate forever. They have since determined everyone needs a booster later in life. And the best way to protect those who cannot yet be vaccinated is to vaccinate those around them.

 

[mjemma]

I will be getting the flu jab. I want to find out a bit more about the whooping cough vaccination as I hadn't heard of it before this week but I will ask my midwife next week and will probably get it too.

 

[justmeinlove]

Tbh I think not getting this vaccine is part of the same sort of mentality that is responsible for the current outbreak. Herd immunity is important.

 

[helena]

Hey ladies! Something to keep in mind.....not only do you need to get the vaccine but so do any other people that will be coming into very close contact with your baby on a frequent basis (ie dad, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc). If any of those adults get pertussis (aka whooping cough) then they could also pass it on to the baby.

I am a Registered Nurse. I have personally seen newborns die from pertussis. It is not a joke. It is awful, especially when the parents realize there is something they could have done to protect their baby.

Even if you get the shot, your baby will still need the shot for their 8 week check up at the pediatrician.

I don't know how it is in the UK but in the US the name of the shot is TDaP. It stands for Tetanus, Diptheria, and Acellular Pertussis (whooping cough).

I had to have my TDaP for work (with the newborns so i'm already covered, but I made my husband go get it about 2 weeks ago and so did the grandparents as well.

Please get the vaccine as early as your OBGYN will give it to you so that you can start building immunity to it before the baby is born. As for your family, have them get it ASAP since they don't have any pregnancy stuff holding them back from doing it now

And for all you ladies with winter babies please get your flu shot too

Surely if whilst pregnant we get the vaccine and baby gets his jabs too then grandparents etc or anyone with whopping cough shouldn't pose baby a risk?...or am I wrong?

 

[patch2006uk]

Tbh I think not getting this vaccine is part of the same sort of mentality that is responsible for the current outbreak. Herd immunity is important.

Don't agree with you on this one. I'm vaccinated, my son is vaccinated, this next one will be vaccinated. I want evidence why I need a booster now, and that the booster is effective. Not the same mentality at all.

 

[1liz9]

https://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/08/30/cdc-recommends-booster-shots-for-whooping-cough-outbreak/

Here you go - this is a summary based on the studies. Unfortunately the vaccine we received as kids just was weaker. They think they have it straightened out. Even if it isn't perfect, it lowers your odds of risk.

 

[rmsh1]

A lot of vaccines are not for life, I have been vaccinated for Hep B three times in my life. If you are in doubt about whether you still have antibodies to whooping cough, you should be able to do a blood test for it, like they test for rubella antibodies to see if you need to be boosted

 

[patch2006uk]

https://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/08/30/cdc-recommends-booster-shots-for-whooping-cough-outbreak/

Here you go - this is a summary based on the studies. Unfortunately the vaccine we received as kids just was weaker. They think they have it straightened out. Even if it isn't perfect, it lowers your odds of risk.

I'm sold on the fact that the vaccine reduces my risk. My concern is that it does little regarding protecting LO, and exposes them in utero to chemicals I'd rather not be injected with while pregnant.

Also, does that mean younger moms are more likely to pass on antibodies as they had their jabs more recently?

 

[jensha]

Are there any versions of the vaccine available in the US without aluminum, formaldehyde, or mercury? Just curious! (I realize they're small amounts but it still makes me worried as I generally stay away from anything containing these.)

Whooping cough is so scary though

I have the same concerns.
I have nothing against immunization but I have a big problem with the toxic chemicals that are used to preserve the vaccines.

 

[1liz9]

https://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/08/30/cdc-recommends-booster-shots-for-whooping-cough-outbreak/

Here you go - this is a summary based on the studies. Unfortunately the vaccine we received as kids just was weaker. They think they have it straightened out. Even if it isn't perfect, it lowers your odds of risk.

I'm sold on the fact that the vaccine reduces my risk. My concern is that it does little regarding protecting LO, and exposes them in utero to chemicals I'd rather not be injected with while pregnant.

Also, does that mean younger moms are more likely to pass on antibodies as they had their jabs more recently?

Maybe see if you can get it in the hospital immediately following birth? That's what I did with my son. In the meantime you can get everyone else that will be around LO so LO is protected.

 

[happythought]

I just got the flu shot and had it as we'll with my son. Both will be winter babies so I would definitely consider it. As far as the whooping cough one I would do some more research on it before getting it. Personally, I had the shot last December in the hospital after my son was born so I won't need it again for 5-7 years but making sure my hubby gets it,

 

[helena]

Are there any versions of the vaccine available in the US without aluminum, formaldehyde, or mercury? Just curious! (I realize they're small amounts but it still makes me worried as I generally stay away from anything containing these.)

Whooping cough is so scary though

I have the same concerns.
I have nothing against immunization but I have a big problem with the toxic chemicals that are used to preserve the vaccines.

Even if baby has the jab when born these chemicals would sill be present..trot like the pregnant women in the first tri are being vaccinated, it's when baby is fully formed..
I think we need to trust the experts, what do we know..

 

[Sparklerose]

Tbh I think not getting this vaccine is part of the same sort of mentality that is responsible for the current outbreak. Herd immunity is important.

Don't agree with you on this one. I'm vaccinated, my son is vaccinated, this next one will be vaccinated. I want evidence why I need a booster now, and that the booster is effective. Not the same mentality at all.

Because your unborn baby isn't and won't be until he/she is two months old. When pregnant women get vaccinated the antibodies transfer through the placenta to the baby offering them protection until they are old enough for their own.