Whooping cough vaccination
Whooping cough vaccination advice for pregnancy, infants and adults
What it is, and why it matters
Whooping cough is a contagious respiratory infection that can cause prolonged coughing, vomiting and difficulty breathing. Young infants may have pauses in breathing rather than a typical cough and are particularly vulnerable to serious illness.
Protection from earlier infection or vaccination can decrease over time. Pregnancy vaccination and assessment of close contacts are part of reducing infant risk, alongside prompt care for symptoms and exposure.
How whooping cough (dtpa) vaccination works
Whooping cough vaccination reduces the risk of illness and severe complications. The schedule depends on age, pregnancy, previous doses and exposure risk.
Vaccination in each pregnancy helps protect the infant before their own first doses. Close contacts should have their vaccination history assessed, but vaccination does not eliminate transmission.
Individual assessment. This general information does not determine which vaccination is suitable for you. Your clinician discusses the available options, benefits, risks, timing and funding before you decide.
Funding and eligibility for whooping cough (dtpa) vaccination
Anchored to the National Immunisation Program schedule and ATAGI advice. Your immuniser confirms your eligibility at the pre-vaccination consultation.
Pregnant people
One dose in each pregnancy, subject to Medicare eligibility. The preferred timing is 20 to 32 weeks.
Children and adolescents
Routine childhood and adolescent schedules, subject to Medicare eligibility. Use an age-authorised provider.
Other adults, including infant contacts and occupational groups
Recommendation and funding depend on the role, age, previous doses and relevant program. A private fee may apply.
Doses and timing
Schedules below reflect typical recommendations. Your immuniser will confirm exactly what applies to you, including any catch-up doses and co-administration with other vaccines.
- Pregnancy: one dose in each pregnancy, preferably at 20 to 32 weeks. If that window has passed, ask promptly about vaccination later in pregnancy.
- Routine childhood doses are scheduled at 2 months (from 6 weeks), 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and 4 years, with an adolescent booster through the school program.
- Adults aged 65 and over are recommended a dose if their last dose was more than 10 years ago. Infant contacts and some occupational groups also have recommendations based on the time since their last dose.
- A whooping cough booster every 10 years is not a universal requirement for every adult. The clinician checks your circumstances and vaccination record.
What to expect
- Injection-site pain, redness or swelling, tiredness, headache or fever can occur.
- A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or relevant component requires specialist assessment. Stay for the recommended observation period, usually at least 15 minutes.
Precautions
- Tell the immuniser about previous serious reactions, medicines, immune conditions, pregnancy and any current illness before vaccination.
- Tell the immuniser about any serious neurological reaction after a previous vaccination. Pregnancy timing and previous doses should be checked at the consultation.
Benefits, limitations and individual advice
Vaccination reduces the risk of whooping cough and severe infant illness, but protection decreases over time and does not prevent every infection. Seek medical advice for a persistent cough or exposure around a young infant.
FAQs about whooping cough (dtpa) vaccination
Do I need a dose in every pregnancy?
A dose is recommended in each pregnancy, preferably at 20 to 32 weeks, even if a dose was received in a previous pregnancy. Ask about later vaccination if the preferred window has passed.
Do all grandparents need another dose?
Not automatically. People who will have close contact with a young infant should have the date of their last dose checked. Recommendation and funding depend on the circumstances.
Can vaccinated people still get whooping cough?
Yes. Vaccination reduces the risk and severity but does not prevent every infection. A persistent cough, exposure or symptoms around an infant need clinical advice.
Primary references
Deeper reading on whooping cough (dtpa)
Book your whooping cough (dtpa) vaccination
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