If you’re expecting a baby, protecting their health starts long before birth. One of the simplest ways to do this is by getting the DTP vaccine during pregnancy, which guards against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 856 cases of whooping cough were confirmed in England in 2023, with the most severe cases seen in newborns too young to be vaccinated. Having the vaccine while pregnant helps your body pass on protective antibodies to your baby, keeping them safe in those vital first few months of life.
What Is the DTP Vaccine, and Why Is It Important?
The DTP vaccine (sometimes called the Td/IPV or pertussis booster) helps your immune system defend against three serious diseases—diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. These infections can be life-threatening, especially for babies in the first few months of life.
How It Works
When you receive the DTP vaccine, your body develops protective antibodies that can also pass through the placenta to your baby. This provides them with early immunity before they can have their first routine vaccines at eight weeks old.
DTP Vaccine in the UK
In the UK, the NHS recommends the DTP vaccine for all pregnant women between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. While it is part of the national immunisation schedule, you can also receive it privately at local pharmacies that provide vaccination and travel health services.
Is the DTP Vaccine Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is considered very safe. The DTP vaccine has been used for many years in the UK, and research shows no link to harm for the mother or baby. In fact, it offers crucial protection to newborns who are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
Evidence Supporting Safety
Large studies reviewed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) confirm that the vaccine does not increase the risk of complications, miscarriage, premature birth, or stillbirth. Instead, it reduces the risk of whooping cough in babies by more than 90%.
Why Vaccination Is Important
Whooping cough can cause severe breathing problems in newborns. Most hospital admissions for the illness occur in babies under two months old — before they receive their own jabs. Getting the DTP vaccine during pregnancy passes on antibodies that give immediate protection after birth.
What to Expect After Getting the DTP Vaccine
Like all vaccines, mild side effects are possible but usually short-lived and harmless.
Common Side Effects of the DTP Vaccine
- Mild swelling or tenderness where the injection was given
- Slight fever or tiredness
- Mild muscle aches
These effects generally settle within a few days and are not harmful to the baby.
When to Seek Advice
If you experience persistent pain, a high fever, or any unusual symptoms, speak with one of our pharmacists for reassurance and support. They can advise whether you need further medical attention.
How Long Does DTP Vaccine Protection Last?
The DTP vaccine validity varies depending on your previous doses. Most adults receive booster shots every 10 years, especially before travel or following an injury that risks tetanus exposure.
During pregnancy, the dose is given specifically to protect your baby. Even if you’ve had a booster recently, another dose in pregnancy is still recommended to ensure your baby receives strong antibody protection.
DTP and Travel Vaccines
If you plan to travel, check whether additional travel vaccines are needed. The DTP vaccine often forms part of travel health protection, alongside others like hepatitis A, typhoid, or polio.
Getting Your DTP Vaccine at Nima Pharmacy
If you are pregnant and unsure when to get your DTP vaccine, our experienced pharmacists can help you book and administer it safely. They follow NHS guidance to make sure your protection is up to date and your baby is safeguarded from the very start.
Book an appointment at Nima Pharmacy today for your DTP vaccine during pregnancy and expert immunisation support.
FAQs
Is the DTP vaccine safe in pregnancy?
Yes – the combined diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis-containing vaccine has been shown to be safe for both the pregnant person and baby. Research in the UK shows no increased risk of stillbirth, preterm birth or birth defects.
When should I have the DTP vaccine during pregnancy?
In the UK the ideal window is between 16 and 32 weeks of gestation in every pregnancy. If you miss that window, you can still have the vaccine later in pregnancy, though the level of protection for the baby may be slightly reduced.
Does getting the DTP vaccine during pregnancy affect future vaccinations for my baby?
No, the vaccine given during pregnancy does not replace your baby’s own immunisation schedule. Your baby will still need their routine vaccinations (for example, at eight weeks old) as planned.
What side effects should I expect after having the DTP vaccine in pregnancy?
Mostly mild side effects are possible: soreness or redness at the injection site, mild fever or tiredness, or muscle aches. Serious side effects are very rare.
If I had a tetanus booster recently, do I still need the DTP vaccine in pregnancy?
Yes. Even if you have had a tetanus booster, the vaccine offered in pregnancy is specifically designed to boost immunity to pertussis (whooping cough) and ensure maternal antibodies pass to the baby. It’s recommended for each pregnancy.
Is the DTP vaccine considered a travel vaccine, and how does that affect pregnancy?
The DTP vaccine can form part of travel vaccines when visiting regions where diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis remain a risk. However, during pregnancy you should discuss travel plans and vaccine timing with a pharmacist, as the balance of benefits and risks may vary when pregnant.