Whooping cough rates have risen sharply in Europe in recent years because of the anti-vaxxer movement and immigrants from third word countries. Babies in the first weeks of life are at greatest risk ( not yet had any vaccines of their own ) and often get very sick with this illness. When whooping cough is severe, they can die.
You can help protect your baby by getting vaccinated – ideally from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks pregnant.
Getting vaccinated while you're pregnant is highly effective in protecting your newborn from developing whooping cough .
The antibodies you get from the vaccine , pass to your baby through the placenta and provide protection , until your baby is old enough to be vaccinated against whooping cough .