How long is the pertussis vaccine effective?

The vaccine trains the immune system to recognise Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium that causes whooping cough. Protection is not a permanent shield, and vaccinated people can still develop an infection, although vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness. Protection also depends on having the doses recommended for your age or situation.

Check your vaccination record with a clinician or health centre and ask whether a follow-up dose is due. Keep the record available when changing clinics, starting school, planning pregnancy, or caring for a young baby. Vaccination does not replace advice about avoiding close contact with someone who has suspected whooping cough. A persistent cough should be assessed rather than assumed to be a vaccine effect.

Seek prompt medical advice for a cough that comes in repeated bursts, causes vomiting, or is accompanied by a whooping sound. Urgent care is needed for breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, unusual sleepiness, or pauses in breathing, especially in an infant. Fever can occur with many infections and should be considered alongside the person's age and overall condition.

Ask which pertussis-containing vaccine is appropriate, when your next dose is due, and whether a previous dose or illness changes the plan. You can also ask how to protect a newborn or vulnerable household member if someone develops a cough.