Safety of pertussis vaccination in pregnant women in UK: observational study

This study comparing pregnant women who received pertussis vaccination to a matched unvaccinated historical cohort or historical rates found no evidence of an increased risk of early delivery, stillbirth or any other serious event throughout pregnancy associated with the vaccine.

In response to a national outbreak of pertussis, the Department of Health announced the introduction of a temporary vaccination programme to immunise pregnant women from 28 weeks’ gestation, to protect their infants. This temporary programme has been continued until further notice, on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. Further information can be found via the link below.

The Green book states that pertussis-containing vaccines may be given to pregnant women when protection is required without delay. There is no evidence of risk from vaccinating pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding with inactivated viral or bacterial vaccines or toxoids.