About the whooping cough vaccination

[Mary2022]

Hi everyone,

I had my 16 weeks appointment today. Although I haven't felt the kick yet (only can feel the bubbles at the moment), I heard my baby movement's sound (through the machine) for the first time. 

The midwife advised me to have a whooping cough vaccination at the 20 weeks ultrasound appointment. I read some articles saying the best time to have whooping cough vaccination is between 28 weeks and 35 weeks. 

- Is it too early to have the whooping cough vaccination at 20 weeks? Can I request it later, something like 28 weeks?

- Also do you experience any side effects after taking the whooping cough vaccination?

[Solly-44]

Hi, I had mine at my 20 week scan appointment. I can’t imagine they’d mind you getting it at 28 weeks if you’d prefer, it might just mean visiting the hospital separately. I didn’t get any side effects from mine (have had it twice) x

[Mary2022 in reply to Solly-44]

I see, thanks for your share. 👍🏻

[McQueeny]

I had mine after the 20 scan last time, but I don’t think it was as late as 28 weeks - maybe around 22-24 weeks? Not sure. No side effects, though

[Mary2022 in reply to McQueeny]

I am thinking to have it after 20 weeks. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[Bexarama83]

I’ve got mine booked with my 20 wk scan too. Hope there’s no side affects! xx

[Eloquentia]

I had mine at 28 weeks, merely because I caught the lunch break of the midwives just after the 20 week scan and didn't have time to wait for them to come back. I felt a bit tired later that day and the day after but that was about it in terms of effects.

[Mary2022 in reply to Eloquentia]

Thanks for sharing👍🏻

[Purpledoggy]

I had dreadful arm ache after mine (due to the tetanus component-can’t get WC vaccine on its own) for a few weeks but nothing else. Did it at about 30 weeks IIRC. Xx

[Mary2022 in reply to Purpledoggy]

I see, thanks for sharing. 👍🏻

[Albs171]

I had mine at 16 week scan - which I think is earliest can do… and she’s totally fine xx

[Jumpppy]

Later is better as idea is in 3rd trimester you're more likely to pass immunity to the fetus, which is the goal (likely "you" don't need the vaccine). Same for COVID booster they recommended getting one in 3rd trimester.Agreed no side effects 😀

[Mary2022 in reply to Jumpppy]

Yes, I read some articles saying the best time is between 28 weeks and 35 weeks. I am thinking to take it at 28 weeks together with the scan appointment. It is good to know most of mama don't have any side effects on the whooping cough vaccination, it gives me more confidence. 😘

[Someday_Bluesky]

thelancet.com/journals/lanm...

This is the research paper that the articles are likely citing from. There is generally not very much difference between when the vaccine is given (<23+6 weeks, 24-27+6 weeks and 28-31+6 weeks).

Antibodies against only 1 of the 3 proteins in the vaccine are significantly higher in cord blood in the 28-31+6 week group. Likely the sole reason why the articles are saying it is better after 28 weeks.

I think if you’re at the hospital anyway at 28 weeks and can get it then then do that.

However, the general advice remains to vaccinate between 16-32 weeks as the most important thing is that pregnant women do get the vaccine and the highest uptake will be what’s easiest i.e when you’re already at the hospital for a 20 week scan. I didn’t have another hospital appointment after this until I gave birth. It also means any babies that are born prematurely will be protected. It takes a couple weeks for the body to make antibodies to pass to the baby so I’m not sure I’d leave it as late as 35 weeks like the articles are suggesting (although I appreciate you personally weren’t thinking of leaving it until 35 weeks).

Sorry for the long post, hope this helps and reassures those that got vaccinated earlier than 28 weeks that your baby will still be very well protected from whooping cough.

[Mary2022 in reply to Someday_Bluesky]

Thanks for sharing.

I will take it at 28 weeks appointment because I am consultant-led and being offered regular scan starting from 28 weeks.