Join our Pertussis campaign as a vaccine advocate.
Recommend the pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in pregnancy at every opportunity
In Ireland, we’ve seen a significant increase in cases of pertussis in 2024 that continues into 2025. Pertussis is a serious bacterial infection that spreads easily. It can cause severe illness and complications, particularly in newborns.
Vaccination in pregnancy is the most effective way to protect young infants. Maternal immunisation protects babies from this infection in their first few months of life when they are most vulnerable.
The pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is free of charge from GP practices and it is recommended between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The vaccine protects by passing on maternal protective antibodies to the baby. The protection and benefits last from birth until the baby can receive their own vaccines at two, four six and 13 months of age
National data on maternal pertussis vaccine uptake is not available. However, studies suggest that only around half of pregnant women receive the vaccine. This poses a risk of increased cases among new-borns especially at this time with high numbers of pertussis infections circulating. Several factors may contribute to this low uptake. These include lack of awareness, access, or healthcare engagement in recommending the vaccine to pregnant women.
In response, the National Immunisation Office (NIO) has launched a targeted campaign aimed at improving vaccine uptake among pregnant women. The campaign will focus on:
- Raising Awareness: Ensuring expectant mothers, healthcare providers, and the general public understand the importance and benefits of pertussis vaccination during pregnancy.
- Healthcare Engagement: Supporting GPs, midwives, and maternity hospitals with up-to-date information and resources to recommend vaccination.
- Social Media & Digital Campaigns: Leveraging digital platforms to reach expectant mothers with trusted, evidence-based information.
Remember, a recommendation by a healthcare professional like a doctor, nurse or midwife is very influential in a person’s decision to be vaccinated
The Vaccinations and Pregnancy HSeLanD training can be found here: HSeLand training
A new range of materials have been developed to support this campaign.
Click here to learn more.
For more information, visit www.immunisation.ie