DCC Early Years Service have issued advice to schools to pass on to their parents regarding an increase in cases of Whooping Cough across the country, and there have been some confirmed cases among Derbyshire residents.
They want to promote the vaccine message, especially to pregnant women. The vaccine is safe to be given in pregnancy. Whilst some women may feel that they would wish to wait until their baby is born, by having the vaccine in pregnancy (between 16 and 32 weeks), the baby will be born with protection against the disease.
Vaccines for infants and children do include Whooping Cough, but cannot be given until a baby is 8 weeks old, leaving them vulnerable.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of Whooping Cough is important, please check out the NHS links below:-
What is Whooping Cough and is there a vaccine? – UK Health Security Agency
Why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself – NHS