With cases of pertussis (whooping cough) increasing nationally, pregnant women in Dorset are being reminded to get themselves vaccinated.
Pregnant women can help protect their babies by getting vaccinated – ideally from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks pregnant. If for any reason you miss having the vaccine, you can still have it up until you go into labour.
Young babies with whooping cough are often very unwell and most will be admitted to hospital because of their illness. When whooping cough is particularly severe, they can die.
For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/whooping-cough-vaccination/ or speak to your midwife.
