Whooping cough shots: who they help protect

Whooping cough is a contagious respiratory infection that can produce severe coughing bouts. Vaccination is a preventive measure: it reduces the chance of becoming ill and helps protect people around you, including those who may be more vulnerable to serious illness. Protection can lessen over time, which is why public health schedules include doses at different stages of life. The exact vaccine product and timing depend on age, prior doses and local guidance.

Check your own or your child's vaccination record before an appointment, including doses received in another country. A clinician or immunisation service can identify which doses are due and whether a catch-up plan is appropriate. Mention a previous severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or a new illness on the day of the visit. Vaccination does not replace assessment for a person already having a persistent cough or coughing fits.

Arrange medical assessment for a cough with repeated fits, vomiting after coughing, an unusual sound when breathing in after a fit, or fever that is not settling. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, pauses in breathing, blue or grey colouring, poor feeding, dehydration or reduced alertness. Infants should be assessed promptly when whooping cough is suspected because their symptoms may not follow the same pattern as in older children or adults.

Ask which vaccine is appropriate for your age group, whether any earlier doses should be recorded, and whether household members need vaccination advice. If someone at home is coughing, ask whether testing, treatment or measures to reduce spread are needed.