Pregnant women across Rutland are being urged to keep their vaccines up to date
It comes as cases of whooping cough and RSV a respiratory virus have been on the rise in the UK
Pregnant women in Rutland and Leicestershire are being urged to get their whooping cough vaccine.
This comes as there has been over 10,000 cases reported so far this year in the UK. This compares to only 856 cases reported last year.
There have also been nine reported deaths from whooping cough this year.
Dr Virginia Ashman, GP clinical lead for the immunisation team at NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board said:
“The best way to make sure babies get protection is to vaccinate mum.
"Those antibodies can float across the placenta during the pregnancy and then the baby is born with a ready-made protection of antibodies.
“It’s one of those illnesses where your immunity fades over a number of years.
"Any of us as adults can catch whooping cough if we come across it. And it is particularly dangerous for babies. Between birth and eight weeks the baby is dependent on the mum for immunity.
“There’s a 92% chance that the vaccine will have a beneficial effect for the baby in terms of protecting it against whooping cough when it's tiny.
"The vaccines are tried and trusted and safe to have. We know they protect infants and their lives.
She says it's always worth talking with your midwife:
“I would suggest you discuss this with your midwife at your next appointment. Find out about the vaccines. There are also new leaflets which can give you information about vaccines as well.
“You can have it any time up until you go in labour and also any time in the first eight weeks of life to try to protect your baby from you catching whooping cough and passing it over to the baby.”