The Flemish Government is launching a campaign to vaccinate pregnant women to protect their babies against certain diseases before they are born.
Pregnant women should get vaccinated against whooping cough, among other things. The disease starts with a cold but can result in severe coughing fits and can even be fatal for infants. Sometimes babies even stop breathing briefly, causing them to turn blue.
"Fortunately, vaccinating the mother during her pregnancy is good protection," said Joris Moonens, spokesperson for the Department of Care. "This way, the baby will have antibodies and be protected in its first weeks of life. After eight weeks, the vaccination can also be given to the baby directly."
In the first four months of this year, 23 children under one year old (of which 21 were younger than six months) were admitted to hospital with whooping cough. In at least nine cases, the mother was not vaccinated against whooping cough during pregnancy.
Other vaccinations
For all women who are pregnant in the autumn or winter, vaccination against flu – which can cause premature birth – is recommended as well. The Department of Care no longer recommends a Covid-19 vaccination for all pregnant women, only for those at an increased risk.
People can also protect their baby with antibodies against RSV (a respiratory infection which can cause pneumonia in infants) through a relatively new drug which is reimbursed under certain conditions.
Another option is a new vaccine for pregnant women which also protects the newborn child for five to six months. The vaccine, however, is not reimbursed and costs €185.
Along with the campaign, the Department is also launching the podcast 'Doorprikt' which answers doubts and questions about vaccination, such as whether it is safe during pregnancy.
Find more information here.
