Can you have the pertussis vaccine while pregnant?

Pregnancy care considers both the pregnant person and the baby who will soon be exposed to close household contact. Vaccination can help the mother's immune system recognise pertussis and may support protection around the newborn period. The decision still depends on local guidance, pregnancy history, previous doses, allergies, and current health. A recommendation should be personalised rather than based on a friend’s schedule.

Raise pertussis vaccination at a prenatal, maternity, or primary-care visit and bring your immunisation record if you have it. Tell the clinician about prior vaccine reactions, allergies, medicines, fever, and any pregnancy concerns. If you are near delivery or missed an earlier discussion, contact the maternity team promptly to ask what remains appropriate. Household members can also ask about their own vaccination status.

Contact your maternity or primary-care team if you develop a persistent, forceful, or spasmodic cough, especially after contact with whooping cough. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, blue or grey lips, fainting, or reduced responsiveness. A newborn with poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, or pauses in breathing needs emergency assessment, even if a typical cough is absent.

Ask whether vaccination is recommended for your pregnancy, when it should be given, and how your previous doses affect the plan. Ask how to reduce a newborn’s exposure to visitors with cough and what symptoms should prompt immediate review.