Whooping
Cough
(Pertussis)
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated.
Price per dose
£90
Frequently Asked Questions
The sooner the better
If primary vaccination is completed pertussis vaccination continues to prevents severe disease and reduce symptoms in case of contracting the disease. In the UK over the age of 10 years, the vaccination is only recommended for pregnant women.
Due to large outbreaks of pertussis, several countries outside the UK advise on the use of pertussis vaccination for adults, family, and close contacts of newborns.
- Booster doses in the UK are routinely given to pregnant woman from 16 weeks of gestation
- Travellers planning to visit newborn babies can consider a booster dose
Children receive a multi dose programme starting form 8 weeks of age.
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More About
Whooping Cough or
Pertussis
Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but it is most serious in infants and young children, as it can cause severe coughing spells that can lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting, and other complications.
The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated. The pertussis vaccine is given as part of combination vaccine, which is recommended for children from age of 8 weeks. A booster shot, can be recommended for adolescents and adults. It is important for people who are in close contact with infants, such as parents, siblings, and healthcare workers, to get vaccinated to help protect vulnerable babies.
