Whooping Cough Vaccination

The vaccination is normally administered as three doses at 2, 3 and 4 months of age during the standard UK childhood vaccine programme. A further dose is given with the pre-school boosters.

Immunity to whooping cough will decrease naturally over time, so re-infection can occur after vaccination.  As immunity falls as a consequence of  natural infection also, vaccination can be given to individuals who have had whooping cough infection at some time in the past.

Inclusions

The whooping cough vaccination can be given to clients over ten years old and :

• To pregnant clients to protect their new-born babies from whooping cough
• To individuals who had contact with others who have the condition  and had their last vaccination more than five years ago.
• Boosting may be needed for work in the USA or Australia or when residing in these countries long term.
• For travellers to areas with a recent outbreak of whooping cough and who had their previous  dose of the vaccination more than ten years ago.
• For those who have had the whooping cough vaccination more than 10 years ago and are often  in close contact with young children or pregnant women

The whooping cough vaccine (Repevax) is highly effective at protecting against pertussis, especially when given as part of the full vaccination schedule. In children who receive all recommended doses, the vaccine provides around 80–90% protection against serious illness. While protection can decrease over time, vaccinated individuals who do contract whooping cough typically experience a milder illness. Repevax also protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio, making it a valuable combination vaccine. Booster doses, such as during pregnancy or adolescence, help maintain strong immunity and reduce the spread of infection, especially to vulnerable infants.

The protection provided by the whooping cough vaccine (Repevax) typically lasts around 10 years for diphtheria, tetanus, and polio, but immunity to pertussis (whooping cough) tends to wane more quickly. Studies show that the effectiveness of the pertussis component begins to decline after about 3 to 4 years, with significantly reduced protection after 7 years. As a result, booster doses are recommended in certain situations—such as during each pregnancy or for adults in close contact with infants—to maintain immunity and help prevent the spread of the disease.

A consultation with our specialist travel nurse costs £20 for the first appointment and £10 for additional people and follow ups. The consultation is required to assess your travel plans and medical history and recommend vaccinations for your individual needs. A dose of the Whooping Cough vaccine costs £98, and 1 dose is required. The full course offers protection for 10 years.  

Please see our full price list for details and speak to our staff in clinics about customised price plans for groups, families or when you book your full course in advance. 

No, the whooping cough vaccine is not a live vaccine. It is an inactivated (non-live) vaccine, meaning it contains purified components of the Bordetella pertussis bacteria—specifically, acellular pertussis antigens—rather than the whole live organism.

Vaccines like Repevax and Boostrix (commonly used in the UK) are combination vaccines that include protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and polio as well, all using inactivated components. Because it is not live, the vaccine cannot cause the disease and is considered safe for use in pregnancy and in people with weakened immune systems.

Common side effects include redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, as well as mild fever, tiredness, headache, and muscle aches. In children, irritability, loss of appetite, or fussiness may also occur. These symptoms are usually mild and short-lived.

Rare side effects can include high fever, prolonged crying in infants, or a large swelling of the arm or leg where the injection was given. Extremely rare reactions, such as severe allergic responses (anaphylaxis), can occur but are treatable and very uncommon. Overall, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks of side effects.

You can get the Whooping Cough vaccine in one of our flagship clinics with locations in: 

• London: Victoria, Moorgate, London Bridge 
• Hampshire: Winchester, Southampton 
• Hertfordshire: Hitchin 
• Sussex: Brighton & Hove, Worthing 
• Kent: Ashford 
• Manchester

You can also visit one of our local pharmacy partners by finding a clinic near you. 

Is Whooping Cough the same as Croup?

Whooping cough and croup are not the same illness, although both affect the respiratory system and occur mainly in children. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a bacterial infection caused by *Bordetella pertussis* and is characterized by severe, prolonged coughing fits that may end with a high-pitched “whoop” sound when breathing in. It can be serious, especially in infants, and is preventable through vaccination. In contrast, croup is usually caused by a virus—most commonly the parainfluenza virus—and leads to a distinctive barking cough, hoarseness, and noisy breathing known as stridor. Croup typically affects younger children and is managed with supportive care and, in some cases, steroid medication. While the symptoms may seem similar, the two conditions have different causes, treatments, and levels of severity.

What is pertussis?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by *Bordetella pertussis*. It affects the respiratory system and is especially dangerous for babies and young children. The illness typically begins with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, mild fever, and a mild cough, but progresses to severe coughing fits that can make it hard to breathe. These fits may end with a characteristic “whooping” sound as the person gasps for air. In infants, the cough may be minimal or absent, but the infection can still be life-threatening. Pertussis spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent it.

What are symptoms of Whooping Cough?

The symptoms of whooping cough usually develop in stages and can vary depending on age. Early symptoms resemble those of a common cold, including a runny nose, mild fever, sneezing, and a mild cough. After about one to two weeks, the illness progresses to severe coughing fits that may be followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when inhaling, especially in children. These fits can be frequent and exhausting, sometimes leading to vomiting, difficulty breathing, or even brief pauses in breathing (apnoea), particularly in infants. While older children and adults may have a less dramatic cough and no “whoop,” they can still spread the infection.

What is the schedule for the Whooping Cough vaccine?

The vaccine is administered as a booster dose only for individuals who have had the full course of 3 doses of the vaccine during childhood or had prior infection with Whooping Cough. Further doses of the vaccine can be given at 10 years if required. 

Can children have the Whooping Cough vaccine?

Yes, a 3-dose course of the Whooping Cough vaccine is usually administered in childhood via the NHS. CityDoc only provides a booster vaccine for adults who had the vaccine in childhood or a prior infection with Whooping Cough. 

Who is not able to have the Whooping Cough vaccine?

The whooping cough vaccine is safe for most people, but there are a few exceptions where it may not be recommended. Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any of its components should not receive it. It may also be delayed in people who are seriously unwell with a high fever, until they recover. In rare cases, those who have experienced certain nervous system reactions, such as encephalopathy, within seven days of a previous pertussis-containing vaccine may be advised against further doses. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to assess individual risks and determine the safest option.

Whooping cough vaccine side effects when pregnant

The whooping cough vaccine is considered safe during pregnancy and is routinely recommended to protect both the mother and the newborn. Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Common side effects include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as tiredness, mild fever, or headache. These are generally not harmful and resolve on their own. Serious side effects are very rare. The vaccine does not contain any live bacteria, so it cannot cause whooping cough. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy, usually between 16 and 32 weeks, helps pass protective antibodies to the baby, offering vital early protection in the first few weeks of life when infants are most at risk.

I received the whooping cough vaccine in a previous pregnancy. Do I need to receive it again? 

Yes, you should receive the whooping cough vaccine again in your current pregnancy, even if you had it during a previous one. Health authorities, including the NHS and CDC, recommend getting the vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between 16 and 32 weeks, to maximize the transfer of protective antibodies to your baby. These antibodies help protect your newborn in the first few weeks of life, before they are old enough to start their own vaccinations. Immunity from the vaccine in the mother wanes over time, so repeating the dose in each pregnancy is important for effective newborn protection.

Is the Whooping Cough vaccine free on the NHS?

Yes — on the NHS in England (and throughout the UK), the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is provided free of charge, but it’s only offered routinely to the following groups: 

Babies and preschool children as part of the routine immunisation programme (given in the 6‑in‑1 vaccine at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, plus a preschool booster at around 3 years 4 months)  

Pregnant women, typically between 16–32 weeks, to pass on protection to their newborns.

For other adults, the vaccine is not routinely offered for free unless they fit specific criteria, such as being a healthcare worker in close contact with babies, or during outbreak control efforts . Adults with certain conditions, like severe asthma or vulnerable health conditions, may also be eligible.

What additional precautions do I need to take to avoid Whooping Cough?

To avoid whooping cough, in addition to getting vaccinated, it’s important to practice good hygiene and take certain precautions. Regularly washing your hands with soap and water helps reduce the spread of germs. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cough or respiratory illness, especially if you are pregnant or around young babies. If you or someone in your household is sick, try to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow and dispose of tissues promptly. Keep shared spaces well-ventilated and clean commonly touched surfaces regularly. If you suspect you have whooping cough, stay home and seek medical advice promptly to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.