What should you know about vaccination against whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, can begin like a cold and develop into repeated coughing spells. The cough may make breathing, feeding, or sleeping difficult, especially for young babies. Immunisation trains the immune system to recognise the infection. Protection can change over time, so recommended doses and boosters may be advised at different stages of life.

Pregnancy vaccination can help pass protective antibodies to a baby before birth. Children, pregnant people, household contacts of newborns, and adults with specific health or work risks may have different recommendations. The vaccine cannot treat an illness that is already established, and it does not prevent every cough.

Check your vaccination record and ask a clinician whether a routine dose, catch-up dose, or pregnancy dose is due. Mention previous vaccine reactions, a weakened immune system, current medicines, and any illness on the day of the appointment. Mild soreness, tiredness, or a short-lived temperature can occur after vaccination; rest, fluids, and the advice given by your healthcare professional may help.

If someone has a persistent or severe cough, arrange medical advice rather than relying on vaccination to manage it. A clinician may assess for whooping cough and discuss testing or antibiotic treatment, particularly when a baby or pregnant person has been exposed.

Seek urgent medical help for struggling to breathe, pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, marked drowsiness, or inability to feed. Babies with coughing bouts need prompt assessment because breathing problems can worsen quickly. After vaccination, get urgent help for facial swelling, widespread hives, wheezing, or sudden breathing difficulty. Contact a clinician for a fever that persists, worsening cough, dehydration, or concern about exposure.

Ask which doses are due, whether pregnancy or household protection changes the recommendation, and how to plan vaccination after a missed appointment. You can also ask how to recognise a coughing illness, when close contacts need advice, and whether your medicines or allergies affect the appointment.