In recent months there has been a major outbreak of whooping cough in the Netherlands, and also in Amsterdam. Sadly, more babies have been admitted and died from whooping cough in the first three months of this year than in all of 2023. The chance of a seriously ill baby from whooping cough is much smaller if you get vaccinated during pregnancy. Yet we notice that many pregnant women have doubts about this vaccination.
Whooping cough is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria. Most people were vaccinated against whooping cough as babies, but this vaccination loses its effectiveness after a number of years. That's okay; Whooping cough is not dangerous for older children and adults. Whooping cough can however be dangerous for young babies, they can develop pneumonia or brain damage, and even die. The chance of this becomes much smaller if you, as a pregnant woman, receive a vaccination against whooping cough after 22 weeks: the 22-week injection. You can get this shot for free through your parent&child centre. For more information: 22-wekenprik.nl