Why should I take the vaccine?💡

All moms-to-be should get the Tdap vaccine for your health and the health of your baby. The vaccine protects your baby from whooping cough, or pertussis through passive immunity inherited from the mother. 

It is extremely fatal if the baby gets pertussis as a newborn and is most likely to be hospitalized or even die. Your vaccination passes antibodies who will act as a perfect shield to protect your baby for the first few months until she can be vaccinated.  

How to get the vaccine?💉

You should get the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, preferably during the earlier part of this period. Visit hospitals, nearby clinics or consult with your pediatrician to get the vaccine.

TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:

Tdap vaccine protects against three serious illnesses

Tetanus: Tetanus is a condition caused by a puncture or deep cut that is infected with bacteria. Though it's exceedingly rare due to vaccines, it can cause tightening of the muscle in the face and neck making it difficult for you to breathe or open your mouth. 

Diphtheria:  Diphtheria forms a thick coating on the back of the throat that makes it hard for you to breathe. Although it's rare now because of the vaccines, it can cause heart failure and paralysis.

Pertussis:  It is also known as whooping cough. The results can be intense coughing spells, vomiting, problems breathing, difficulty sleeping and sometimes even death. Since newborns can only get vaccinated at 2 months old, they are vulnerable to this potentially deadly condition if they do not receive antibodies from the mother.

Tdap vaccine is safe during pregnancy

The Tdap vaccine is safe for both you and your baby during pregnancy. You may find some minor effects like soreness at the site of injection, redness, body aches but the benefits of the vaccine outweigh them all. Serious reactions such as fainting, severe pain and bleeding are rare.

Vaccination required again after pregnancy 

If you have already received the Tdap vaccine before you were pregnant, you still need it! You should get it again in the third trimester of every pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.