What should you know about cough vaccine?

People often use cough vaccine to mean vaccination against whooping cough, a contagious infection that can cause repeated coughing bouts and breathing difficulty. Protection is specific to the infections included in the vaccine; it is not a general shield against coughs caused by a cold, reflux, allergies, asthma, or other conditions.

Vaccination can reduce the chance of illness and may make an infection less severe. Protection can change over time, so a clinician or vaccination service can explain which dose is appropriate for your age, health, and previous records. Mild soreness, tiredness, or a short-lived temperature can occur after vaccination.

Check your immunisation record and arrange a review if you are unsure whether you are due a dose. Tell the clinician about previous reactions, current illness, pregnancy, immune problems, and medicines. After vaccination, rest, drink fluids, and follow the advice given for symptom relief. Do not use an antibiotic or cough medicine simply because a cough started after vaccination.

If a cough continues, consider causes such as [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/), [Asthma](/conditions/asthma/), [Allergic Rhinitis](/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/), [Acute Bronchitis](/conditions/acute-bronchitis/), or [Chronic Cough](/conditions/chronic-cough/).

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or an inability to speak in full sentences. Arrange prompt medical assessment for coughing fits with vomiting, a cough that is rapidly worsening, chest pain, coughing blood, or a high temperature with marked weakness. A clinician should assess a cough that persists, disturbs sleep repeatedly, or affects normal activity.

Ask which infection the vaccine covers, whether your record shows that you need it, what reactions should be expected, and when you should seek help after the dose. If you already have a cough, ask whether it needs examination before vaccination and whether another condition could be contributing.