Pertussis immunisation: what to know

Pertussis vaccines are given as part of immunisation schedules and may be combined with protection against other infections. Protection can change over time, so the recommended schedule depends on age, previous doses, pregnancy and local guidance. Immunisation lowers the chance of illness and can help make disease less severe, but it does not treat an existing cough. A newborn is particularly vulnerable, which is why protecting the pregnant person and close caregivers matters.

Ask your doctor, maternity team or vaccination clinic which dose is due and share your medical history, allergies and previous vaccine reactions. Keep your records available and mention pregnancy, immune conditions or medicines that affect immunity. If you have a new cough or have been exposed to pertussis, seek medical advice rather than waiting for a vaccine to act. Vaccination should be combined with covering coughs, handwashing and keeping unwell people away from babies.

Immunisation does not remove the need for assessment when symptoms are concerning. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion or pauses in breathing. Arrange urgent advice for a baby with poor feeding or unusual sleepiness, or for anyone with coughing bouts that cause vomiting, chest pain or dehydration. A fever with a worsening cough also needs prompt clinical review.

Ask which vaccine is recommended for you, when protection develops, whether a missed dose can be caught up, and which reactions are expected. Check how vaccination fits with pregnancy, other vaccines and medicines, and what your household should do to protect a newborn.