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Whooping Cough Vaccine

Whooping cough Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Whooping cough

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Known for severe coughing fits followed by a “whoop” sound, it primarily affects infants but can infect all ages.

Vaccination with DTaP for children and Tdap for older individuals is crucial for prevention, though outbreaks still highlight the need for high vaccination rates.

Vaccination Pricing

£90 – 1 dose required

Signs & Symptoms

  • Early symptoms resemble a common cold

  • Characteristic “whooping” sound during inhalation after a coughing fit

  • Vomiting or exhaustion following prolonged coughing episodes

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Disturbed sleep

  • Apnoea (pauses in breathing) may be seen in very young babies

  • Complications such as pneumonia, seizures, brain inflammation

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule
Pregnant women (over 18 yrs) between 16-38 weeks 1
10 yrs and over* 1

* have not received a dose of a whooping cough-containing vaccine in the last five years and no tetanus-diphtheria-inactivated polio vaccine (Td-IPV) in the preceding month.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways caused by Bordetella pertussis. It is particularly dangerous for babies and young children but can affect people of all ages. The infection is known for causing severe coughing fits that can make breathing difficult. The name “whooping cough” comes from the distinctive “whoop” sound some people make when gasping for breath after a prolonged coughing episode, although this sound is not always present, especially in adults. If left untreated, the disease can lead to serious complications, particularly in infants, including pneumonia, seizures, and in some cases, death.

Whooping cough spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is highly contagious, especially in the early stages before symptoms become severe. The best method of prevention is vaccination, which is part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK. Pregnant women are also advised to receive the vaccine during each pregnancy to help protect their newborns in the early weeks of life. Good respiratory hygiene—such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and regular handwashing—also helps reduce the spread. People with suspected or confirmed whooping cough should stay away from school or work and avoid contact with vulnerable individuals until they are no longer infectious.

Whooping cough symptoms typically develop 7 to 10 days after exposure and progress in stages. In the early phase, it resembles a common cold, with a runny nose, mild fever, sneezing, and an occasional cough. After about a week or two, the cough becomes more severe and persistent, often occurring in rapid bursts followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound during inhalation. These fits may be accompanied by vomiting, exhaustion, and difficulty breathing. Infants may not exhibit the classic cough but can suffer from apnoea (pauses in breathing), making early diagnosis more challenging. In severe cases, particularly in babies, complications such as pneumonia, seizures, brain inflammation (encephalopathy), and weight loss due to feeding difficulties can occur. The illness can last for several weeks or even months.

The whooping cough vaccine provides good protection but immunity tends to wane over time. In the UK, it is included in the 6-in-1 vaccine for babies, followed by booster doses given in later childhood. Protection is strongest in the years immediately following vaccination but begins to decrease after around five to ten years. For this reason, booster doses are recommended in certain circumstances, such as during pregnancy to protect newborns or for healthcare workers in close contact with vulnerable patients. Adults travelling to high-risk areas may also be advised to receive a booster, particularly if they are likely to be in contact with young children or infants.

Pregnant women over 18 years of age. Ideally vaccinate between 16-38 weeks of pregnancy.

An injection in the upper arm.

Yes. Your baby will still need to be vaccinated according to the normal NHS vaccination schedule when they reach 2 months old.

Whooping cough occurs worldwide, and while routine vaccination has reduced its prevalence in many developed countries, outbreaks still happen—including in the UK. The vaccine is recommended for travel to countries where immunisation coverage is lower or where there are frequent outbreaks, particularly if you will be working with children, volunteering in healthcare settings, or spending time with newborns. It may also be advised for long-term travellers or those with underlying health conditions. There are no specific countries where the vaccine is mandatory for entry, but it is an important consideration for personal protection when travelling to certain regions in Africa, Asia, and South America.

The whooping cough vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated. Most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site, along with tiredness, mild fever, or irritability in children. Some people may also experience temporary aches or a headache. Serious side effects are extremely rare. As with all vaccines, there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction. The vaccine can be safely given during pregnancy, and doing so provides protection to the baby in their first few weeks of life before they are old enough to receive their own vaccinations. Overall, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any potential risks, particularly in protecting vulnerable infants from severe illness.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

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