Birgitta Sahlström is operations manager for the regional vaccination unit in Värmland.
– The Public Health Agency recommends that pregnant women be vaccinated against whooping cough to reduce the risk of the small newborn babies falling ill, she says.
Protection before they can be vaccinated themselves
The first months for newborns are the most risky for whooping cough, but newborns are protected by the pregnant woman’s vaccination.
– Antibodies are transferred to the baby and the baby receives protection. It is important that the baby receives good protection in the first months when there is the greatest risk of serious illness.
Watch the clip where the operations manager talks about whooping cough for pregnant women and newborns.