Whooping cough shots for adults

Whooping cough can occur in adults and may look like a prolonged cough rather than the familiar whooping sound. Adults can pass the infection to others before they recognise it, which is especially concerning around young babies and people with health conditions that affect breathing. Booster vaccination supports individual protection after childhood doses. Pregnancy, work with children or healthcare, close contact with an infant, and travel can all be reasons to review vaccine status with a clinician.

Bring any accessible immunisation records and share details of previous vaccine reactions. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, immune-suppressing medicines, or a current significant illness so the timing can be considered safely. If your record is incomplete, the service can advise on a suitable catch-up approach. Continue usual measures that reduce respiratory spread, such as covering coughs and staying away from close contact when unwell.

Vaccination is preventive and does not treat an active infection. Seek medical advice for coughing fits, vomiting after coughing, a cough that persists or worsens, or fever alongside respiratory symptoms. Urgent assessment is needed for shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, confusion, blue or grey lips or face, or difficulty keeping fluids down. Get prompt advice if an adult with a possible infection has close contact with an infant.

Ask whether a pertussis-containing booster is due, whether pregnancy changes the recommended timing, and whether your household situation creates an added reason to vaccinate. If you have a cough now, ask whether it needs testing and whether contacts should be notified.