Whooping cough vaccine

Whooping cough vaccine

2 July 2025

THE Downe Hospital is hosting a whooping cough vaccination clinic for pregnant women next Monday between 9am and 12.30pm.

The initiative is part of a South Eastern Trust response to a significant increase in whooping cough cases across Northern Ireland. No booking is required.

There have been 1,788 confirmed cases so far this year, compared with just two between 2021 and 2023.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious and sometimes serious bacterial infection, which can make babies and young children very ill.

This increase highlights the need for enhanced vaccination efforts to protect vulnerable populations, particularly babies and young children.

 Women can receive the vaccine from 16 weeks of pregnancy, with the ideal window being between 20 and 32 weeks. 

However, the vaccine remains beneficial even if administered later in pregnancy. Pregnant women are encouraged to speak to their midwives to learn more about the vaccination process and its benefits.

In addition to the whooping cough vaccination at antenatal clinics, the vaccine is a key component of the childhood vaccination programme.

It is administered to children at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age and again at three years and four months. Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with vaccinations should check their child’s red book or consult with their Health Visitor or GP practice. 

The vaccine will continue to be available through GP practices as well.

Parents are reminded to be alert to the signs and symptoms of whooping cough, which include severe coughing fits accompanied by the characteristic ‘whoop’ sound in young children and a prolonged cough in older children or adults. 

It is also advisable to keep babies away from anyone showing the signs or symptoms of whooping cough.

As whooping cough can spread very easily, parents are being encouraged to call their GP practice or out of hours service before they go in person as it will help reduce it spreading to others. 

And in an emergency, dial 999.

Also next Monday at the Downe Hospital the new life-saving Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination is on offer.

Aimed at protecting newborns and older adults, the Public Health Agency is encouraging those eligible to get vaccinated when invited.

RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system, particularly in young children and older adults. 

RSV infections often lead to mild cold-like symptoms, but in some cases, especially in infants and individuals with compromised immune systems, it can cause severe respiratory issues and hospitalisation.

The vaccination is available at the Downe Hospital next Monday, July 7, between noon and 12.30pm.