Pregnant? Get pertussis vaccine

Should pregnant women receive the pertussis (or whopping cough) vaccine? Yes!  We recommend that pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine (which includes the whopping cough vaccine) preferably at 26-36 weeks gestation. This may transfer some antibodies to the newborn and will improve protection for mom by the time she delivers making her less likely to transmit pertussis to her infant. If not vaccinated during pregnancy, Tdap should be given immediately postpartum before leaving the hospital.  Please contact your primary care provider (PCP) to receive the vaccine.  For more information, visit the CDC's website.