Whooping cough vaccination
Critical in pregnancy and around newborns — boosters every 10 years for adults
What it is, and why it matters
Whooping cough (pertussis) is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The illness produces a characteristic, prolonged cough — sometimes lasting 100 days — with severe coughing fits that can cause vomiting, broken ribs in adults and apnoea in young infants. Babies under 6 months are at highest risk of severe disease and death.
Australia experiences pertussis outbreaks every 3–4 years on average, with case numbers rising sharply in 2024–25. Many adults are unaware that their childhood pertussis immunity wears off and that they remain a likely source of infection for newborns.
How whooping cough (dtpa) vaccination works
Pertussis vaccination in Australia uses a combined acellular vaccine known as dTpa (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis acellular). It contains inactivated components of all three bacteria and is given as a routine childhood schedule, a school-age booster, in pregnancy, and as periodic adult boosters.
The vaccine is non-live and safe in pregnancy and around newborns. Vaccination during pregnancy transfers protective antibodies to the baby, providing protection in the first months of life before the baby's own immunisations have taken effect.
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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, 20–32 weeks gestation
Free under the NIP — recommended in every pregnancy, including pregnancies close together.
Routine childhood schedule
Free under the NIP at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and 4 years.
Year 7 students
Free school-program booster for adolescents.
New parents and others around newborns
Recommended booster if not vaccinated in the past 10 years; private fee may apply.
Adults every 10 years
A booster every 10 years is recommended throughout adult life; private fee unless pregnant or in another funded group.
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: single dose at 20–32 weeks, every pregnancy.
- Childhood: routine doses at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and 4 years.
- School: routine booster in Year 7.
- Adults: booster every 10 years — combined with tetanus and diphtheria.
What to expect
- Sore arm at the injection site, sometimes pronounced.
- Mild fever and tiredness for 24–48 hours.
- Severe reactions are rare.
Precautions
- A prior severe allergic reaction to a pertussis-containing vaccine is a contraindication.
- A history of encephalopathy within 7 days of a previous dose warrants medical review.
How well the vaccine works
Maternal pertussis vaccination prevents around 90% of severe pertussis in babies under 3 months. In children, a complete schedule is around 80–90% effective in the first few years, falling over time — which is why boosters are needed.
FAQs about whooping cough (dtpa) vaccination
I'm pregnant — when should I get the whooping cough vaccine?
Between 20 and 32 weeks of every pregnancy. This timing allows enough antibody to transfer to your baby before birth, which is when they're most vulnerable.
I'm a new grandparent — do I need a booster?
If you haven't had a pertussis-containing vaccine in the last 10 years, yes — both ATAGI and the World Health Organization recommend a booster for anyone who will be around a newborn for the first 6 months.
I had whooping cough as a child — am I still protected?
No. Immunity from natural infection wanes within around 7–20 years, and immunity from childhood vaccination wanes faster than that. Adult boosters are needed regardless of childhood history.
Deeper reading on whooping cough (dtpa)
Book your whooping cough (dtpa) vaccination
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