Due to the number of cases of pertussis increasing and the recent infant deaths, we are focusing on the pertussis vaccination programme for pregnant women.
Pregnant women are eligible for their pertussis vaccination from 16 weeks of pregnancy. Receiving vaccination between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy provides optimal protection. Vaccination may still be given after 32 weeks of pregnancy until delivery; however it may not offer as high level of passive protection to the baby.
As a practice, we are carrying out this pertussis marketing campaign with a focus on preventing illness, sharing information with pregnant women around the benefits of getting vaccinated, using all relevant opportunities to signpost to pertussis vaccination, and offering pertussis vaccination opportunistically to pregnant women registered with us.