PHCC urges pregnant women to take RSV and Tdap vaccines to protect newborns

Qatar’s Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is encouraging pregnant women to receive recommended maternal vaccinations to help protect newborn babies from severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough.

The reminder forms part of PHCC’s Winter Respiratory Virus Vaccination Campaign, which aims to increase protection against respiratory infections during the colder months.

Maternal vaccination allows protective antibodies produced by the mother to pass to the baby before birth, providing protection during the first months of life when infants can be particularly vulnerable to serious respiratory infections.

RSV vaccination during pregnancy

Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health recommends the RSV vaccine for pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to help protect both the mother and newborn.

RSV commonly causes cold-like symptoms but can lead to serious lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in young infants.

The RSV vaccine is available through Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals and Primary Health Care Corporation health centres for eligible groups.

Tdap helps protect babies from whooping cough

The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

Hamad Medical Corporation guidance recommends Tdap during each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks, to help transfer protective antibodies to the baby before delivery.

Pertussis can be particularly dangerous for newborns because babies are too young to have completed their own routine vaccination series during their first months of life.

Winter vaccination campaign

PHCC has been increasing awareness of recommended vaccines as Qatar enters the winter respiratory-virus season.

Its vaccination services cover children, adults, pregnant women, older people and individuals at higher risk of complications from infectious diseases.

Pregnant women should discuss vaccination timing and individual eligibility with their healthcare provider during antenatal appointments.

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