The dTap vaccine for whooping cough is now available free of charge to all pregnant women.
By receiving the dTap vaccine during pregnancy, the mother can provide protection against whooping cough (also known as pertussis) to her newborn,
Whopping cough is highly contagious and can lead to pneumonia and even death. Infants are at great risk in their first two months of life before they are old enough to be immunized.
The dTap also includes vaccine against tetanus and diphtheria.
“It’s important to do everything we can to ensure newborn babies are protected against whooping cough when they are at their most vulnerable,” Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman said in a release. “Providing this life-saving vaccine free of charge will help more expectant moms get vaccinated as our government continues to fight for the health care needs of Alberta families.”Â
The vaccine can be given at Alberta Health Services public health clinics or at pharmacies. If you choose to have it at a pharmacy you will need a prescription.
“Getting immunized during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to protect infants against pertussis. I encourage women to get their dTap vaccine during every pregnancy,” Dr. Kristin Klein, deputy medical officer of health, stated.
It is recommended women get immunized between 27 and 32 weeks of their pregnancy. This is the best time frame to maximize the transfer of immunity to the infant, according to a press release from Alberta Health.
