Whooping cough/diphtheria/tetanus (dTpa) vaccination

Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a contagious respiratory infection that causes severe, uncontrollable coughing that can make it hard to breathe. Whooping cough gets its name from the high-pitched ‘whoop’ sound that is made when taking a breath in, although this sound is not always obvious.1, 2

Epidemics of whooping cough occur every 3 to 4 years in Australia, and while there is no clear seasonal pattern, notified cases generally peak during early November.3

Whooping cough can affect people of all ages, but it is most serious for infants under the age of 6 months, as they have soft airways that can be damaged by violent bouts of coughing.2 One in every 200 babies who are infected with whooping cough under the age of six months dies from the condition.4

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Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can affect the throat, airways and skin, and in some cases can lead to severe complications. Vaccination is the best way to help protect against diphtheria. In Australia, diphtheria vaccination is given as a combination vaccine that also protects against whooping cough (pertussis) and tetanus. 

The diphtheria-containing vaccine used in pharmacies is generally a dTpa vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). This combination vaccine may be recommended as part of routine vaccination, catch-up vaccination, pregnancy vaccination, or booster vaccination in eligible adults. 

The dTpa vaccination is an inactivated vaccine that is given as a series of vaccinations to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.5

Diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds.6

DIPHTHERIA (D) is a bacterial infection that is easily spread. It can cause breathing difficulties, skin sores, or inflammation of the heart or nerves.6

TETANUS (T) is a dangerous disease caused by a bacterium present in contaminated soil, dust or animal manure. It enters the body through cuts or open wounds.
It can cause painful muscle spasms, lockjaw, as well as difficulty swallowing and breathing.6

PERTUSSIS (aP), also known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing. Severe coughing and trouble breathing occur, which can be life-threatening in babies.6

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Diphtheria can spread through respiratory droplets or through contact with infected skin lesions.

Whooping cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which is spread from person to person through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 5, 6

Even if you have been vaccinated against whooping cough, you can still be infected. However, your symptoms are likely to be less severe than those of someone who is not vaccinated.5, 6, 7 

Diphtheria vaccination is recommended as part of routine vaccination in childhood and adolescence, catch-up vaccination for people who missed doses, booster vaccination in some adults, pregnancy vaccination, and for some travellers or people at higher risk. 

The dTpa vaccination is recommended for children at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months of age, and then again at four years. Adolescents should receive a booster dose between the ages of 11 and 13, and adults should have a booster at ages 50 and 65 years and over.5

Pregnant women are recommended to receive dTpa during each pregnancy, primarily to help protect their baby from whooping cough. This vaccine also contains diphtheria and tetanus components. 

Immunity against whooping cough fades over time. If you haven't had a whooping cough vaccination in the past 10 years, you will be less protected against infection.5

Ask your GP whether you’re up to date – and if not, book your booster. Doing this will help boost your defence and help protect the young ones in your circle of family and friends.

Whooping cough can affect anyone.

However, those who are most at risk of catching the infection are:1, 2

• babies under six months (this is because babies don’t complete their primary course of vaccination against whooping cough until they are six months old). enough to be fully vaccinated
• people living with someone who is infected
• pregnant or breastfeeding women
• people who travel
• healthcare workers and early childhood educators
• those who have not had a whooping cough booster within the last 10 years
• people over 65 years of age who have not had a booster within the past 10 years

• Healthcare workers, early childhood educators and carers should be vaccinated against whooping cough every 10 years.7
• Travellers should also be vaccinated if their last booster was more than 10 years ago.7
• Adult household contacts or carers of infants aged less than six months should be vaccinated at least 2 weeks before having close contact with an infant.7

Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure whether you are up to date, need a catch-up course, are pregnant, are travelling, or think you may be eligible for funded vaccination.

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