Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccination
The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine protects against a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes severe, prolonged coughing fits. It is especially important during pregnancy to protect newborn babies, and is given as a single dose.
£75 per dose — single-dose course
Who it is for
Pregnant women (to protect the newborn) and those in close contact with young babies; also for anyone wishing to ensure their protection is current.
Number of doses
A single dose, with a further dose recommended in each pregnancy.
When to have it
In pregnancy from around 16 weeks, usually around the 20-week scan and ideally before 32 weeks.
How long protection lasts
Protection reduces gradually over several years, so a booster may be advised at certain times.
How it is given
A single injection into the upper arm, usually as a combined vaccine that also covers tetanus and diphtheria.
Price
£75 per dose
Quick answer
The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine protects against a contagious bacterial infection that causes severe coughing fits and is especially dangerous for young babies. It is given as a single dose and is strongly recommended during pregnancy, ideally from around 16 weeks, to protect the newborn. The whooping cough vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
About Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccination
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract spread through coughs and sneezes. It causes intense coughing fits that can make breathing difficult and are often followed by a characteristic 'whoop' sound when gasping for air, with the cough sometimes lasting for many weeks.
While it can affect people of any age, whooping cough is particularly dangerous for young babies, who are at risk of serious complications. For this reason, vaccination during pregnancy is strongly recommended to pass protection to the baby before birth.
The vaccine is given as a single dose and also protects against tetanus and diphtheria in the combined preparation normally used (ADACEL). A polio-containing alternative may be used in certain circumstances. Your travel health nurse will advise on the right vaccine and timing for your circumstances, including in pregnancy.
Timing
Single dose; in pregnancy from around 16 weeks
For expectant mothers the vaccine can be given from around 16 weeks, and is usually offered around the time of the 20-week scan. It should be given before 32 weeks to give the best protection to the baby.
Effectiveness
High level of protection
The vaccine provides a high level of protection, and maternal vaccination is very effective at protecting newborn babies in their first weeks of life.
Duration
Several years
Protection reduces gradually over several years, which is why a booster is recommended in each pregnancy and at certain other times.
Signs & symptoms
- Intense, prolonged coughing fits that can last for many weeks
- A characteristic 'whoop' sound when gasping for breath after coughing
- Difficulty breathing and going red or blue in the face during coughing bouts
- Vomiting after coughing, particularly in children
- Early cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose and mild fever
- In young babies, pauses in breathing (apnoea) rather than an obvious cough
Who should consider this vaccine?
The whooping cough vaccine is strongly recommended for pregnant women to protect their newborn baby, and may also be advised for those in close contact with young infants. It can be helpful for travellers wishing to ensure their protection is up to date. Your travel health nurse will assess your circumstances and recommend the most suitable vaccine.
High Risk Areas
Traveller Risk Factors
Who should have this vaccine
Vaccination is strongly recommended for pregnant women, because antibodies passed to the baby before birth provide vital protection in the first weeks of life, before the baby is old enough for their own routine immunisations. It may also be advised for new parents, grandparents and others who are in close contact with newborns, as well as anyone wishing to make sure their protection is up to date.
- Strongly recommended for pregnant women to protect the newborn
- May be advised for close family and carers of young babies
- Helpful for travellers ensuring their immunisation is current
- Your nurse will assess your circumstances and confirm suitability
The vaccination course
The vaccine is given as a single injection into the upper arm. The preparation normally used is a combined vaccine that also protects against tetanus and diphtheria; a polio-containing alternative may be used in certain situations. In pregnancy, a dose is recommended during each pregnancy, even if doses were given in previous pregnancies or in the past.
- Given as a single dose
- Usually a combined vaccine covering tetanus and diphtheria as well
- A polio-containing preparation may be used where appropriate
- A dose is recommended in each pregnancy
How long does protection last
The vaccine provides a high level of protection, and maternal vaccination is very effective at protecting newborn babies during their most vulnerable early weeks. Protection is not lifelong and gradually reduces over several years, which is why a booster is recommended in each pregnancy and may be advised at certain other times.
- High level of protection following vaccination
- Maternal vaccination effectively protects newborns
- Protection wanes gradually over several years
- A further dose may be needed in future pregnancies
Possible side effects
Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Common reactions include soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, and sometimes a mild fever, headache or feeling generally unwell. The vaccine is considered safe in pregnancy. Serious reactions are very rare, and your travel health nurse will discuss any considerations with you before vaccination.
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever or feeling generally unwell
- Headache or tiredness
- Serious reactions are very rare