Vaccine to prevent whooping cough

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a contagious infection that can cause repeated bouts of coughing. A vaccine trains the immune system to recognise components linked with the infection. Protection is designed to lower the chance of illness and to make illness less severe; it does not treat an infection that is already established. Protection can change over time, so follow the recommended childhood and booster schedule for the person being vaccinated. Infants and people with certain health problems may be more vulnerable to complications from prolonged coughing.

Check the vaccination record and ask a clinician whether any routine dose or booster is due. Tell the vaccinator about a previous serious reaction to a vaccine, current illness, pregnancy, immune problems, or medicines that affect immunity. After vaccination, mild soreness, tiredness, or a short-lived fever can occur. Rest, drink fluids, and use only symptom medicine that a clinician or pharmacist considers suitable. Keep distance from very young babies if you develop a persistent cough, and arrange assessment if you may have whooping cough; antibiotics may be used in selected situations to limit infection or spread.

Seek urgent medical help for breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, confusion, severe weakness, or a child who cannot feed or keep fluids down. Arrange prompt medical assessment for a cough that comes in forceful spells, causes vomiting, produces a whooping sound, or is worsening, especially in a baby. Fever can have many causes, so its presence alone does not identify whooping cough. A clinician can examine the person and decide whether testing, isolation advice, or treatment is needed.

Ask which vaccine schedule applies, whether a missed dose should be caught up, how long protection is expected to last, and what symptoms should prompt a review. If someone at home is pregnant, very young, or medically vulnerable, ask how vaccination and early assessment can reduce their exposure.