Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccinations in Hitchin
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It affects the lungs and airways and can cause severe coughing fits that may continue for several weeks or even months.
The infection can affect people of any age but is particularly dangerous in young babies, who are at the greatest risk of serious complications including pneumonia, seizures, brain injury and, in rare cases, death.
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against whooping cough and helps reduce the spread of infection within the community.
Do I need a Whooping Cough vaccine?
Whooping cough vaccination is routinely offered as part of the UK childhood immunisation programme through the 6-in-1 vaccine at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, with a further booster given as part of the preschool vaccination programme.
Protection against whooping cough decreases over time, even after previous vaccination or infection. This means people can become infected more than once during their lifetime.
Vaccination may be recommended for:
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Pregnant women
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Individuals who require vaccination for occupational purposes
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Those travelling to countries where vaccination is recommended
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Individuals in regular contact with young infants
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People seeking to reduce their risk of infection and transmission
Pregnancy and Whooping Cough
Vaccination during pregnancy is routinely recommended in the UK, usually between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
The vaccine helps protect newborn babies by allowing protective antibodies to pass from mother to baby before birth. This provides valuable protection during the first weeks of life before babies are old enough to receive their own vaccinations.
Who Can Receive the Vaccine?
At Hitchin Health Company, pertussis-containing booster vaccination may be suitable for individuals aged 10 years and over, depending on previous vaccination history and individual circumstances.
Our clinicians can advise whether vaccination is appropriate for you.
Course
To achieve the best possible immunity, 1 dose is required.
Boosters
A booster is not usually required
How is it given
Injection in the upper arm
How long does it last
The full course offers protection for 10 years.
Side effects
Common side effects are pain at injection site, headache and muscle pain.
Children
Suitable from 10 years of age.
Certificate requirements
No certification required.
Common and rare side effects of the Whooping Cough Vaccine
Like all vaccines, the whooping cough vaccine can cause side effects, although most are mild and short-lived.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
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Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
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Headache
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Tiredness
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Mild fever
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Muscle aches
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Feeling generally unwell
These symptoms usually develop within a day or two of vaccination and settle without treatment.
Less Common Side Effects
Less commonly, some people may experience:
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More significant swelling around the injection site
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Nausea
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Dizziness
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Swollen glands
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A higher fever
Very Rare but Serious Side Effects
A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can occur after any vaccine, although this is extremely rare.
Vaccination is carried out in settings where this can be recognised and treated immediately.
Overall, the benefits of vaccination in preventing whooping cough and its potentially serious complications far outweigh the risk of side effects.
Is Whooping Cough the same as Croup?
No. Although both illnesses affect the respiratory system and can cause coughing, they are different conditions.
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing fits and can lead to serious complications, particularly in young babies.
Croup is usually caused by a viral infection and typically causes a distinctive barking cough, hoarseness and noisy breathing (stridor). It is generally less severe and is managed differently.
If you are unsure whether your child has croup, whooping cough or another respiratory illness, medical advice should be sought.
What are symptoms of Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough often begins with symptoms similar to a common cold, including:
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Runny nose
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Mild fever
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Sneezing
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Mild cough
After one to two weeks, the illness can progress to severe coughing fits which may:
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Last for several weeks
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Cause difficulty breathing
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Trigger vomiting after coughing
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Lead to exhaustion and disturbed sleep
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End with a characteristic "whooping" sound when breathing in
In young babies, the typical cough may be absent. Instead, they may experience pauses in breathing (apnoea), making the infection particularly dangerous.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of whooping cough should seek medical advice, particularly if a baby or young child is affected.
I received the whooping cough vaccine in a previous pregnancy. Do I need to receive it again?
Yes.
The NHS recommends whooping cough vaccination during every pregnancy, even if you have previously received the vaccine.
Protection against whooping cough decreases over time. Receiving the vaccine during each pregnancy helps maximise the transfer of protective antibodies to your baby, providing important protection during the first weeks of life before they are old enough to receive their own vaccinations.
Is the Whooping Cough vaccine free on the NHS?
Yes. In the UK, whooping cough vaccination is routinely offered free of charge through the NHS as part of the childhood immunisation programme and during pregnancy.
The vaccine is routinely offered:
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As part of the childhood vaccination schedule at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age
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As part of the preschool booster programme
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During every pregnancy, usually between 16 and 32 weeks
For adults outside these groups, the vaccine is not routinely available on the NHS and may need to be obtained privately where appropriate.
