9 facts about the whooping cough vaccination

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes severe, uncontrollable coughing. While it can be mild in adults, whooping cough can be very serious for infants and children under 12 months. Australia experiences an epidemic of whooping cough every three to four years^ — and luckily, there is a vaccination available to help prevent its spread.  

Here are 9 things to know about whooping cough vaccination

1.       In Australia, the whooping cough vaccination is included in routine childhood immunisation schedule under the NIP^^

2.       While you can still get whooping cough once vaccinated, the vaccination significantly reduces symptoms^^

3.       Completing the full immunisation schedule provides the best protection^^

4.       Vaccination is recommended for:

• The over 65s, who haven’t received a booster in the last ten years (as infection is associated with increased morbidity in this age group)*
• Expectant parents, their friends, and family (to protect a new baby)
• Healthcare workers (to protect patients and themselves)
• Educators and carers of children under four (as whooping cough can be more severe in the very young)

5. The vaccination is safe for pregnant women and free under the NIP1

6. Pregnant women should receive a vaccination each pregnancy between 20-32 weeks gestation pregnancy between 20-32 weeks gestation1

7. Vaccination during pregnancy doesn’t replace a baby’s upcoming whooping cough vaccinations

8. People who have entered Australia for humanitarian reasons can catch up on their whooping cough vaccinations for free through the NIP, if they weren’t immunised in childhood1

9. After a booster, protection against whooping cough lasts up to 10 years2

References:

^ https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/pertussis-whooping-cough

^^https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/pertussis.aspx

*https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/vaccine-preventable-diseases/pertussis-whooping-cough#:~:text=Pertussis%2Dcontaining%20vaccines%20are%20recommended,50%20years%20and%2065%20years

1  https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-services/whooping-cough-pertussis-immunisation-service-0

2 https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Whooping_cough/