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Complications of pertussis vaccine

How the structures involved in Whooping Cough differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Whooping Cough differ from normal

Short answer

Complications after pertussis vaccination are usually mild and short-lived, but severe allergic reactions need urgent medical care.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Common reactions
Soreness, mild fever, tiredness or irritability
Urgent warning
Breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat

What reactions can mean

A sore, red or swollen injection site, mild fever, tiredness, reduced appetite or irritability can occur as the immune system responds. Some children may cry more than usual or sleep differently for a short time. These effects do not mean the person has developed Whooping Cough; the vaccine cannot cause the illness in the way an infection does.

Rarely, a seizure associated with fever can occur in a child after vaccination. It should be assessed, even though it often stops without lasting harm. A history of a serious reaction to a previous dose, an immune problem or an acute illness may change the vaccination plan.

What to do after vaccination

Keep the person comfortable, offer fluids and let them rest. A cool, damp cloth may ease the injection site. Check the temperature if they feel hot and use medicine for pain or fever only as advised for their age and medical history. Avoid rubbing the injection site.

Keep the vaccination record and note when symptoms began, how long they lasted and what was given. Contact the vaccination clinic if symptoms are worsening, do not settle, or make feeding and drinking difficult. Information about Childhood Immunisation can help you understand scheduled doses.

When to seek care

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, wheezing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, widespread hives, collapse, unusual paleness or marked drowsiness soon after vaccination. These may signal a severe allergic reaction.

Seek prompt medical assessment for a seizure, persistent unresponsiveness, a very unwell appearance, repeated vomiting, dehydration, or a high fever that concerns you. A new Cough or Fever after vaccination may have another cause and should be judged by the overall illness, not assumed to be a vaccine complication.

Questions for your doctor

Ask which reactions are expected for this vaccine, what temperature or behaviour changes should prompt a call, whether the next dose needs a different formulation, and how to record a suspected reaction. Ask whether current medicines or a previous allergy affect the plan.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

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See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can the pertussis vaccine cause whooping cough?

The vaccine does not cause whooping cough infection, although mild fever or cough-like symptoms may occur for other reasons.

How long should mild reactions last?

Mild soreness, fever or tiredness should improve over a short period; contact a clinician if symptoms worsen or persist.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.