A sealing gasket (20) for a vacuum pump, the sealing gasket (20) comprising: a first surface (30, 40); a second surface (32, 42) opposite to the first surface (30, 40); opposing side walls (34, 36; 44, 46) disposed between the first surface (30, 40) and the second surface (32, 42); and one or more protrusions (48a, 48b, 48c, 48d) extending from the first surface.