WHOOPING COUGH CLINICS AVAILABLE ACROSS SOUTH EASTERN TRUST AREA
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 antenatal 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 30 September 2024
Downe Hospital, Maternity Hub 9.15am -12noon
Tuesday 1 October 2024
Ards Maternity Hub 9am -12noon
Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit 1.00pm – 4.15pm
Lagan Valley Hospital, Maternity Unit 9.15am-12noon
Lagan Valley Hospital, Maternity Unit 1pm-4.15pm
Wednesday 2 October 2024
Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit 9am-12.15pm and 1pm-4.15pm
Thursday October 3 2024
Downe Hospital, Maternity Hub 9.30am-12.15noon
Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit 9.00am – 12.15pm and 1pm-4.15pm
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.
Whooping cough can spread very easily. It is best to call your GP practice or GP Out of Hours service before you go in person. This will help to reduce it spreading to others. In an emergency, dial 999.
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Clinics Open Across South Eastern Trust Area
As the new life-saving Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme, aimed at protecting newborns and older adults launches in Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging those eligible to get vaccinated when invited.
RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system, particularly in young children and older adults.
RSV infections often lead to mild cold-like symptoms, but in some cases, especially in infants and individuals with compromised immune systems, it can cause severe respiratory issues and hospitalisation.
From the 1 September 2024 to help protect newborns and infants, pregnant women are being offered the vaccine from 28 weeks into their pregnancy. Adults aged from 75 to 79 years of age will also be offered the RSV vaccination.
RSV vaccine clinics will run at the following sites:
Monday 30 September 2024
Downe Hospital, Maternity Hub 9:15am – 12:00noon
Tuesday 1 October 2024
Ards Maternity Hub 9:00am -12noon
Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit 1.00pm – 4.15pm
Lagan Valley Hospital, Maternity Unit 9:15am – 12:00noon
Lagan Valley Hospital, Maternity Unit 1pm-4.15pm
Wednesday 2 October 2024
Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit 9:00am –12:15pm
Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit 1pm-4.15pm
Thursday 3 October 2024
Downe Hospital, Maternity Hub 9.15am-12noon
Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit 9:00am – 12:15pm
Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit 1pm-4.15pm.
 vaccination clinics are now available across the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust area making the vaccine){kind=link}