Whooping Cough and Tetanus Vaccines in Pregnancy
Key message: Pertussis can be life-threatening for young infants. A pertussis-containing vaccine during pregnancy boosts maternal antibodies that…
Key message: Pertussis can be life-threatening for young infants. A pertussis-containing vaccine during pregnancy boosts maternal antibodies that cross the placenta. Tetanus and diphtheria protection are included in many maternal pertussis products or scheduled according to national history.
Get urgent help: Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, facial or tongue swelling, collapse or severe widespread hives after vaccination. High fever, severe illness or reduced baby movements needs clinical assessment.
Why is pertussis vaccination given during pregnancy?
Newborns are too young to complete their own pertussis vaccination and can become very unwell. Maternal vaccination allows antibodies to cross the placenta and protect the baby during the most vulnerable early months.
Vaccinating only after birth does not provide the same immediate placental antibody transfer.
Why is it offered in every pregnancy?
Antibody levels fall over time, and each baby needs protection. Therefore programmes that recommend maternal pertussis vaccine offer it during each pregnancy regardless of previous adult or pregnancy doses.
It also boosts the mother’s protection against transmitting infection.
When is it given?
The gestational window differs by national programme. For example, UK guidance offers it from around 16 weeks, while US guidance prioritises 27–36 weeks. Both aim to maximise antibody transfer before birth.
The exact pregnancy window and locally licensed product can differ between countries; patients in Egypt should follow the current Egyptian or local maternity programme rather than copy another country’s schedule.
What if the ideal window is missed?
A later pregnancy dose may still offer benefit in some programmes, and postpartum vaccination may protect the mother but cannot provide the same pre-birth antibody transfer. Contact the maternity/vaccination service promptly.
Do not repeat a dose independently because two records appear inconsistent.
How does tetanus protection fit in?
Many pertussis products used in pregnancy also contain tetanus and diphtheria components. In settings using a separate maternal tetanus schedule, the number of doses depends on documented previous vaccination and national recommendations.
A tetanus-prone wound may require separate urgent assessment based on wound type and vaccine history.
What side effects are expected?
- Pain, redness or swelling in the vaccinated arm.
- Fatigue, headache, muscle aches or mild fever.
- Occasional larger local swelling after repeated tetanus-containing doses.
- Severe allergic reaction is rare.
Is it safe for pregnancy and the baby?
Pertussis-containing maternal vaccines are non-live. Large monitoring systems and national programmes support their safety in pregnancy, without an increased pattern of pregnancy complications from recommended use.
The vaccine cannot cause whooping cough or tetanus.
Do family members also need vaccination?
Routine vaccination of household members should be up to date according to the national schedule. ‘Cocooning’ alone is less effective than maternal vaccination but can add protection when contacts are eligible.
Anyone with a prolonged cough should avoid close contact with a newborn and seek medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
I had a tetanus shot recently—do I still need the pregnancy pertussis vaccine?
In programmes using maternal pertussis vaccination, it is still offered each pregnancy; the product and timing are reviewed to avoid inappropriate duplication.
Can the vaccine give me whooping cough?
No. It is non-live.
Does the baby still need routine vaccines?
Yes. Maternal antibodies provide temporary early protection and do not replace the infant schedule.
Can it be given with flu vaccine?
Generally yes at different sites when both are indicated.
What if there is no record of previous tetanus doses?
The national schedule determines catch-up; do not invent or repeat doses without a documented plan.
Your next step
Bring all available vaccination records. Exact timing and dose number should follow the current Egyptian or local maternal tetanus/pertussis programme and the product actually offered.
Medical and content review: Dr Mohamed Abdelghany, Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist, MRCOG (UK), MSc Obstetrics & Gynecology – Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo University.
Last reviewed: 23 August 2026.
This information is for general education and does not replace individual medical assessment.
