Whooping cough vaccine in Sydney: what to know

In Sydney, a general practice, childhood clinic, or other vaccination provider can review your age, health history, previous doses, and any current illness before advising on vaccination.

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is an infection that can spread through respiratory droplets. It can cause bouts of coughing that are hard to stop, and some people may make a sharp intake of breath after a coughing bout. The illness can be especially difficult for babies and people with health conditions that affect breathing.

Vaccination is a preventive measure, not a way to diagnose a cough. A cough may have many causes; whooping cough is one possible cause and can present with persistent or severe coughing.

Bring any available immunisation record, including records from another state or country. Tell the clinician about past reactions to vaccines, allergies, medicines that affect the immune system, pregnancy, and whether you are currently unwell. This helps them decide whether vaccination can go ahead that day or should be planned for another time.

If a clinician suspects whooping cough, they may discuss testing, ways to reduce spread at home, and whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate. Antibiotics and vaccination have different purposes: treatment is considered for an infection, while vaccination is used to build future protection.

Arrange medical advice promptly for a worsening cough, coughing fits that lead to vomiting, trouble breathing, poor feeding in a baby, unusual sleepiness, or a fever in a young child. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips or skin, collapse, or a baby who is hard to wake.

Keep distance from babies and other people at higher risk while you are unwell, and follow the clinician's instructions about attending work, school, or childcare.

Ask which vaccination record they can see, whether any doses are due, which vaccine is suitable for your circumstances, and what short-term reactions to expect. If someone at home has a persistent cough, ask whether they need assessment before visiting a newborn or attending childcare.