Vaccines help mothers and babies

Vaccines taken during pregnancy provide infants with immunity through the first few months of life. This early protection is critical for diseases like the flu and whooping cough.

WAMPSVILLE >> Expectant mothers can help protect themselves and their baby by getting the whooping cough and flu vaccines while pregnant.

Vaccines taken during pregnancy provide infants with immunity through the first fewmonths of life. This early protection is critical for diseases like the flu and whooping cough because infants are at the greatest risk of severe illness from these diseases, but are too young to be vaccinated themselves. Passing maternal antibodies on to themis the only way to help directly protect them.

Whooping cough and flu vaccines are also important for moms. In cases when doctors are able to determine who spread whooping cough to an infant, the mother was often the source. The Tdap vaccine reduces the risk of mothers passing whooping cough on to their newborn.

Changes in immune, heart, and lung functions during pregnancy make mothers more likely to have a severe case of the flu if they catch it, which can lead to a higher chance of experiencing pregnancy complications, such as premature labor and delivery.

Millions of pregnant women have safely received flu shots for several years, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to gather data showing that the flu shot is safe and effective during pregnancy. Doctors and midwives who specialize in caring for pregnant women agree that the whooping cough vaccine is important to get during the third trimester of each pregnancy. Getting the vaccine during pregnancy will not increase risk for pregnancy complications.

Breastfeeding moms also can get some vaccinations. Amother can pass antibodies against diseases she has had in the past, and those she has been vaccinated against, through her breastmilk.

“When you get whooping cough and flu vaccines during your pregnancy, you will have antibodies in your breast milk that you can share with your baby as soon as your milk comes in,” said Cheryl Geiler, director of Community Health.

For more information, visit www.healthymadisoncounty.org. The Madison County Health Department holds Immunization clinics each week and appointments may be scheduled online or by phone at 315-3662848. Most insurance plans are accepted. Some fees may apply.