By Charles Lefebvre

AHS makes whooping cough vaccine available for pregnant women

Feb 20, 2019 | 1:40 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A vaccine to protect women from whooping cough is now being made available for expectant mothers.

Alberta Health Services announced Wednesday morning the dTap vaccine, which protects people from pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus, is now available free of charge for pregnant women.

“It’s important to do everything we can to ensure newborn babies are protected against whooping cough when they are at their most vulnerable,” said Health Minister Sarah Hoffman in a statement. “Providing this life-saving vaccine free of charge will help more expectant moms get vaccinated as our government continues to fight for the health care needs of Alberta families.”

The vaccine can be administered at Alberta Health Services public clinics, as well as at local pharmacies. Women who wish to be immunized at a pharmacy will require a prescription.

Infants are at the highest risk of developing complications from whooping cough in their first two months, until they are old enough to be immunized. AHS says the dTap vaccine is safe for women to receive during pregnancy.

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AHS recommends women get immunized between 27 and 32 weeks of their pregnancy, saying it’s the best timeframe to maximize the transfer of immunity to the infant.