Whooping cough vaccine: what to know

Whooping cough is a contagious respiratory infection that can cause repeated bouts of coughing and breathing difficulty. Vaccination trains immune defences to recognise the infection. Protection can change over time, and a vaccinated person may still develop a cough, so a cough should not be dismissed because vaccination was received. Cough can also come from a common cold, acute bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma or acid reflux; the vaccine does not prevent every cause of cough.

Check your vaccination record and ask a clinician which dose or booster is due for your age, pregnancy status, medical history and household circumstances. Mention previous vaccine reactions, current illness and medicines that affect immunity. After vaccination, mild soreness or a short-lived feeling of unwellness can occur. Follow the local schedule given by your healthcare professional and keep the record for future appointments.

Seek urgent help after vaccination for facial or throat swelling, trouble breathing, collapse or rapidly spreading hives. A new cough needs urgent assessment when it causes severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting or coughing blood. Contact a clinician promptly for a persistent cough, repeated vomiting after coughing, or exposure to a suspected case.

Ask which vaccine is recommended, when the next dose is due, what side effects to expect, and whether your health history changes the plan. Ask how to protect babies and other vulnerable people if someone at home has a prolonged cough.