Maternity Team Exceeds Whooping Cough Vaccination Target Amid Rising Cases

A hospital’s maternity department has administered more than double the anticipated number of whooping cough vaccines over a six-month period. Hampshire Hospitals provided in excess of 1,120 doses of the pertussis vaccination, which is given to pregnant women to safeguard their newborns. This vaccination is typically administered around the 20-week gestation mark, though expectant mothers are eligible to receive it up until birth. Wendy Randall, the Director of Midwifery, stated that their team works “extremely hard” to enhance understanding and “the importance of vaccinations.” Immunity from the pertussis vaccination is transferred to infants via the placenta, offering passive protection against whooping cough until they reach eight weeks of age. Ms Randall said: “Whooping cough is a highly infectious condition that has been rising in recent years. “We know there is a lot for expectant mothers to consider but this vaccination – along with the flu jab provides valuable protection and assistance in slowing infection rates.” All pregnant women are also offered the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination from 28 weeks. This virus affects an estimated 90% of children within their first two years. It accounts for 33,500 annual hospitalizations in children under the age of five, causing severe breathing difficulties that can be fatal. Ms Randall said: “With RSV peaking over the winter season we would encourage all eligible women to attend your appointment and have the vaccination, and in doing so provide the best protection to your baby.” For further updates, you can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.