Every Mother, Every Baby, Every Time Tip Sheet

NCDHHS / Division of Public Health has produced an infographic “Every Mother, Every Baby, Every Time,” which presents conversation tips and vaccine recommendations for providers caring for pregnant persons. Immunizations can help protect women and their babies against diseases including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pertussis. Making strong vaccine recommendations, especially during respiratory season and while the state is experiencing an increase in pertussis cases, is an important way providers can help prevent disease.

Cases of pertussis have been on the rise nationally and in 2024 the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) is reporting one of the highest counts of pertussis cases in decades. As of January 6, 2025, state public health officials had recorded 784 cases, including 73 cases in infants. Cases are slightly more concentrated in the western region, but cases have been reported across the state, including 18 reported outbreaks.

Infants have the highest incidence rates in North Carolina and are at greatest risk of hospitalizations and death from pertussis. Approximately half (51%) of all cases have occurred in individuals that were up to date with their age-appropriate pertussis-containing vaccine. More than half (56%) of cases in infants occurred in infants with no record of a maternal Tdap vaccine.

If your office is interested in accessing the North Carolina Immunization Registry to view and record vaccine administrations, please contact the North Carolina Immunization Program’s Help Desk at 1-877-873-6247.