Why is the whooping cough vaccine recommended for pregnant women, and at what stage of pregnancy should they ideally receive it to provide protection for both themselves and their babies?

The whooping cough vaccine is recommended for pregnant women to provide protection for both themselves and their babies. Pregnant women are encouraged to get immunized against whooping cough to safeguard infants until they are old enough for routine immunization at 8 weeks old. The optimal time for pregnant women to receive the whooping cough vaccine is between weeks 16 and 32 of their pregnancy. By getting vaccinated during this timeframe, pregnant women can pass on short-term immunity to their babies, providing crucial protection until the infants can receive their own vaccinations. It is recommended for pregnant women to receive the whooping cough vaccine during each pregnancy to ensure maximum protection for both themselves and their babies.