During pregnancy, there is always the possibility of whooping cough vaccination to take. During the winter months, the flu shot in addition.
In the coming months, there will be a higher risk of catching the flu. For this reason, from mid-October through March 1, you can get an additional flu shot if you are 22 weeks or more into your pregnancy.
Why?
Flu shot: Newborns are at higher risk for serious complications from the flu, such as hospitalization. If the mother receives the flu shot during pregnancy, the baby is less likely to get the flu right from birth. The flu shot is also beneficial for the pregnant woman herself. This is because pregnant women with the flu are hospitalized more often than women of the same age with the flu who are not pregnant.
Whooping Cough: The 22-week shot protects you and your baby against whooping cough. This is a very serious illness for babies.
How does a shot like that work?
Flu shot: After receiving a flu vaccine, a pregnant woman’s body produces antibodies against the flu virus. These antibodies pass through the placenta to your baby. They protect the baby against the flu during the first few months after birth. The pregnant woman herself is also protected. If the baby or the pregnant woman does get the flu, the infection is usually mild. The vaccine itself does not reach the baby.
Whooping Cough: When a pregnant woman is vaccinated, the antibodies are passed on to the baby. This protects the baby against whooping cough from day one.
Where can I have it installed?
Both the flu shot and the whooping cough vaccine can be administered at the well-child clinic. Schedule your own appointment!
In this brochure You can read more about the vaccinations.
