Whooping cough vaccinations offered to expectant mothers

MUMS-TO-BE have been offered whooping cough vaccinations following an outbreak of the disease in the UK.

Health and Social Services has introduced a temporary programme of whooping cough vaccination in the island for women who are at least 28 weeks into their pregnancy.

In a statement yesterday, the department said the decision followed the UK outbreak combined with a small increase in the condition locally during the past couple of months. 'This measure will provide improved passive immunity protection to infants too young for whooping cough vaccination.

'Vaccination should be offered by either GPs or midwives when women attend for routine antenatal visits or when they attend GPs for their flu vaccination. Vaccination will be offered after 28 weeks, with the optimal time being in the period 28-32 weeks.'