Whooping Cough Vaccination

[happyinmelbs]

Hi - I have not had this vaccine and was not advised by my GP to get it when I had my check-up before we started TTC. We are just about to start but now a couple of people have told me I should get vaccinated beforehand.

My questions are: is this really necessary or is it like the flu vaccine, which I have chosen not to have?

Will it be ok to just have the vaccine after I give birth? I read on here that someone's bub got whooping cough at 6 weeks, even though she was vaccinated in the hospital.

If I do get, will I have to delay TTC for up to 3 months??

Thanks all - appreciate some help as there isn't anyone I can ask about this!

[Muppity]

You can have it post birth. You having it doesn't automatically protect your child it just reduces the likelihood of them catching it - your partner should get it as well because realistically they are more likely to come into contact with it when your bub is little because you tend not to go out as much.

You don't have to have it but whooping cough is a truly terrible thing in little kiddies. As someone who has seen a tiny baby with it I would recommend that you did everything within your power to reduce the risk.

[RhiChiChi]

It was never recommended to me prior to TTC or even after having bubs (she is now 4yo). I think this is a personal choice & like Muppity said, you are not fully protected. My gf DD was vaxxed and she has a mild case of whooping cough atm. Whooping cough vax is different to the flu vax

[little_mrs]

I had a whooping cough vac the day after DD was born, and dh got his a couple of weeks before she was born. The bubs themselves have the vax a little bit at a time as part of their 2, 4 and 6 month vac's so a 6 week old is still very vulnerable. I felt (and this is just my opinion) that it was important for me and anyone that would have constant close contact with DD in her first few months to be vaccinated to reduce her exposure risks. Not sure about the 3 month wait after having it for ttc, I was BF when I had mine! I think if you have hepatitis or measles mumps rubella vaccines you have to wait 3 months before ttc.

Hope your ttc journey is short and successful!

[happyinmelbs]

Thanks so much for all the replies... its amazing the things you have to think of isn't it? I actually just decided to go and get it yesterday, so its done and dusted and I can just enjoy my holiday now!

Thanks again - its good to know there are these forums about to come and chat to others also TTC!