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Whooping Cough Vaccine

Get a Whooping Cough Vaccination

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Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Known for severe coughing fits followed by a “whoop” sound, it primarily affects infants but can infect all ages.

Vaccination with DTaP for children and Tdap for older individuals is crucial for prevention, though outbreaks still highlight the need for high vaccination rates.

Vaccination Pricing

£90 – 1 dose required

Signs & Symptoms

  • Runny nose

  • A cough that becomes more violent after a week

  • A ‘whooping’ sound when gasping for air

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Red or blue face

  • Exhaustion

  • Fever

Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

231 Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 1SU

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

worcesterravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

153 Ombersley Road, Worcester, WR3 7BX

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule
Pregnant women (over 18 yrs) between 16-38 weeks 1 –
10 yrs and over* 1 –

* have not received a dose of a whooping cough-containing vaccine in the last five years and no tetanus-diphtheria-inactivated polio vaccine (Td-IPV) in the preceding month.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It primarily affects the respiratory tract and is characterised by severe, spasmodic coughing fits followed by a sharp intake of breath that can produce a distinctive “whooping” sound. The condition can affect people of all ages but is particularly dangerous for babies and young children, especially those who are too young to be fully vaccinated. In severe cases, whooping cough can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, or even death. Although it was once a common childhood illness, widespread vaccination has significantly reduced its incidence. However, outbreaks still occur, particularly in populations with lower vaccination coverage or waning immunity.

Whooping cough spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it highly contagious—especially in close-contact settings like households, schools, or nurseries. The bacteria can remain in respiratory droplets and infect others for several weeks, often before the infected individual is even aware of their illness. The most effective way to prevent whooping cough is through vaccination. In the UK, the pertussis vaccine is part of the NHS childhood immunisation schedule and is also offered to pregnant women to help protect newborns. Practising good respiratory hygiene, such as covering the mouth when coughing and regular handwashing, also helps limit the spread. Individuals showing symptoms should avoid contact with vulnerable people, particularly infants and those with weakened immune systems.

The symptoms of whooping cough develop in stages. In the early phase, which lasts about one to two weeks, it resembles a common cold with symptoms such as a runny nose, mild cough, sneezing, and low-grade fever. As the infection progresses, the coughing becomes more intense and occurs in fits, often followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound as the person gasps for air. These coughing episodes can be so severe they cause vomiting, exhaustion, or temporary pauses in breathing—especially in infants. Between coughing fits, the person may appear well, which can delay diagnosis. In young babies, the whoop may be absent, but they may experience apnoea (pauses in breathing) or turn blue due to lack of oxygen. Symptoms can persist for 6 to 10 weeks or longer, earning it the nickname “the 100-day cough”.

The whooping cough vaccine offers strong protection but does not provide lifelong immunity. In the UK, it is given as part of the DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB combination vaccine for infants, followed by booster doses in early childhood. Immunity begins to wane after a few years, which is why booster doses are essential during pregnancy and sometimes in adolescence or adulthood. Pregnant women are recommended to receive the vaccine during each pregnancy—ideally between 16 and 32 weeks—to protect their baby in the early months of life. While the vaccine may not completely prevent infection, it significantly reduces the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications, especially in vulnerable individuals.

An injection in the upper arm.

Vaccination is a routine part of the childhood immunisation schedule, starting with the 6-in-1 vaccine at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, with a booster at 18 months. 

Pregnant women are strongly advised to get the whooping cough vaccine, usually between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, to protect their newborn from the illness in the first few weeks of life. 
To protect vulnerable babies, adults who live with or frequently care for infants, including parents, grandparents, and childcare providers, should ensure they are up-to-date on their pertussis vaccinations.

Yes. Your baby will still need to be vaccinated according to the normal NHS vaccination schedule when they reach 2 months old.

Whooping cough is found worldwide, and although routine vaccination has led to lower incidence in many countries, it remains a risk in areas with reduced vaccine coverage or recent outbreaks. Travellers are not typically required to have proof of pertussis vaccination for entry to any country. However, vaccination is recommended for individuals travelling with infants, pregnant women, or those planning long stays in close-contact environments such as care facilities or schools. In particular, travellers to countries experiencing outbreaks or where healthcare access is limited should ensure their vaccinations are up to date. As pertussis can still circulate even in countries with high vaccination rates, maintaining immunity is important regardless of destination.

The whooping cough vaccine is generally very safe and well tolerated. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, irritability, or tiredness. Some children may experience a mild rash or loss of appetite shortly after vaccination. These effects usually resolve within a day or two without the need for treatment. More pronounced reactions, such as high fever or prolonged crying in infants, are less common but not dangerous. Serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions, are extremely rare. As with all vaccines, the benefits of protection—particularly for young infants at high risk of severe illness—greatly outweigh the small risk of side effects.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

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The Malvern Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

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