South Eastern HSC Trust updates public on availability of whooping cough clinics
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) vaccination clinics are now available across the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust area making the vaccine more accessible to pregnant women.
This initiative comes in response to a significant increase in whooping cough cases across Northern Ireland.
There have been 1,788 confirmed cases of Whooping Cough so far this year in Northern Ireland compared with just two between 2021 and 2023.
Whooping Cough is a highly contagious and sometimes serious bacterial infection, which can make babies and young children in particular very ill.
This increase highlights the need for enhanced vaccination efforts to protect vulnerable populations, particularly babies and young children.
Women can receive the vaccine from 16 weeks of pregnancy, with the ideal window being between 20 and 32 weeks. However, the vaccine remains beneficial even if administered later in pregnancy.
Pregnant women are encouraged to speak to their midwives to learn more about the vaccination process and its benefits.
In addition to the Whooping Cough vaccination at ante-natal clinics, the vaccine is a key component of the childhood vaccination programme.
It is administered to children at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age and again at 3 years and 4 months. Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with vaccinations should check their child’s red book or consult with their Health Visitor or GP practice.
The vaccine will continue to be available through GP practices as well.
Clinics will take place at the following locations. Please note that no booking is required. Please bring your antenatal notes with you.
Monday 12 August 2024
Downe Hospital, Maternity Unit – 8.45 am – 11.30 am
Ulster Hospital, Maternity Unit – 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
Tuesday 13 August 2024
Ards Hospital, Maternity Clinic – 9.00 am – 12.00 pm
Ulster Hospital, Maternity Unit – 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
Wednesday 14 August 2024
Lagan Valley Hospital, Maternity Unit – 9.00 am – 12.00 pm
Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit – 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
Thursday 15 August 2024
Downe Hospital, Maternity Unit – 8.45 am – 11.30 am
Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit – 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
Friday 16August 2024
Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit – 8.45 am – 12.30 pm
Parents should be alert to the signs and symptoms of whooping cough, which include severe coughing fits accompanied by the characteristic ‘whoop’ sound in young children, and by a prolonged cough in older children or adults.
It is also advisable to keep babies away from anyone showing the signs or symptoms of whooping cough.
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