Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory infection, which can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing respiratory droplets. Whooping cough usually begins with cold-like symptoms including sneezing, mild dry cough, fever and a runny nose. This can develop into a cough with a distinctive ‘whooping’ sound when breathing in, which can last up to three months.
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself, and those around you from serious disease caused by whooping cough. This is especially important for those who are in close contact with infants and want to reduce the risk of getting and spreading the infection.
The whooping cough vaccination is available as a combination vaccine which helps to protect against whooping cough (pertussis), diphtheria and tetanus. Generally, adults are recommended to have a single vaccination every 10 years. Your immuniser will be able to provide advice as to whether this vaccination is appropriate for you.
Who is recommended to receive a whooping cough vaccination?
- Infants, children and adolescents as part of National Immunisation Program schedule
- Adults who are travelling overseas and have nothad a booster in the last 10 years
- Adults who are in special risk groups or incontact with a special risk group, such as:
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Healthcare workers
- Early childhood educators and carers
- People in close contact with infants
Who is eligible for a free whooping cough vaccination?
The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free whooping cough vaccines to the following eligible Medicare card holders:
- Children aged 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 4 years (not available in pharmacy)
- Adolescents aged 12-13 years through school-based vaccination programs
- Pregnant women (ideally between 20-32 weeks of pregnancy)
Please note, NIP vaccines can be limited, and not all pharmacies or pharmacist immunisers will have access to these free vaccines at the time of your appointment.
If you believe you may be eligible for a free vaccine, it is recommended that you speak with your pharmacist prior to making your appointment to confirm availability of the free vaccine.
If you do not meet the NIP eligibility, or the pharmacy does not have the free vaccines available at the pharmacy, they will discuss your options with you.
For more information on the Whooping Cough (pertussis) virus and vaccination please click here.