The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended pregnant women now receive one dose of pertussis vaccine at any time after 20 weeks gestation. Previously the timing was between 28-32 weeks. ATAGI are consulting with stakeholders – click here to make a submission.
Babies are at high risk of pertussis ((whooping cough) and don’t receive full protection from newborn immunisaton until six months of age. Approximately one in 200 babies under six months who develop whooping cough either die or develop severe intellectual impairment. Antibodies from the mother cross the placenta after two weeks, giving the newborn some protection for the crucial first six months.
ATAGI comprises experts in the fields of paediatrics, infectious disease, epidemiology, nursing, general practice and a lay member of the public. The group advises the Minister for Health on evidence-based immunisation in the context of safety, efficacy and international best practice. They have based their evidence on both Australian and international studies. Earlier immunisation is already recommended in the UK, Ireland and Canada.
The rationale is that:
- Current evidence suggests antibody levels are as good and may be better if vaccination occurs during the second trimester (before 26 weeks).
- Pregnant women have more opportunity to be vaccinated and it can be aligned with other antenatal visits.
- Pregnant women will be less likely to miss vaccination.
- Earlier vaccination provides protection in the event of prematurity.
There is no evidence to suggest an association with clinically significant harm to foetus or mother by vaccination with pertussis vaccine in the second or third trimester.