Whooping Cough Vaccine in Point Cook
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious infection of the airways. It starts like a cold, then turns into coughing fits that can last for months, and in young babies it can be life-threatening. The whooping cough vaccine is given at Juniper Avenue Medical Centre in Point Cook for babies, children, pregnant women and adults.
Why protecting babies comes first
Babies under six months are too young to be fully immunised. Before vaccination in pregnancy was widespread, about one infant death and more than 200 infant hospitalisations from whooping cough happened in Australia each year, according to the Australian Immunisation Handbook. Older children and adults are often the source of infection.
Whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy
A dose is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks, even when pregnancies are close together. Antibodies pass to the baby and cut the risk of whooping cough in babies aged three to four months by about 90%. The 20-week scan is a handy reminder.
If that window is missed, have it as soon as possible up to delivery, although a dose within two weeks of birth may not protect the baby well. Mothers who missed it in pregnancy, and have not had a dose in the past decade, are advised to have it soon after birth, and it is fine while breastfeeding. Our antenatal care and pregnancy care appointments are a good time to arrange it, along with the RSV vaccine from 28 weeks.
The childhood and teenage schedule
The vaccine is a combination that also covers diphtheria and tetanus. Children receive it free at:
- 2, 4 and 6 months
- 18 months
- 4 years
- around 12 to 13 years, through the school program
Free catch-up doses are available for people under 20 who missed out. Our child immunisation page explains the full schedule.
Boosters for adults
Protection fades over time, so the handbook recommends boosters for:
- adults at 50, and again at 65 or older if the last dose was more than 10 years ago
- healthcare workers and early childhood educators, every 10 years
- parents, grandparents and other carers of babies under six months, at least two weeks before contact, if the last dose was over 10 years ago
- travellers whose last dose was more than 10 years ago
These adult boosters are outside the free NIP groups, so the vaccine itself may need to be bought. Ask reception about the cost when you book.
Side effects and who should not have it
Common reactions are pain, redness or swelling where the needle went in, sometimes a small lump that can last weeks, and a mild fever. Babies may be grizzly and sleepy for a day or two. The vaccine should not be given to anyone who had anaphylaxis after an earlier pertussis-containing dose or any of its ingredients.
Getting the whooping cough vaccine at Juniper
You can book online or call reception and mention the pertussis vaccine when you book. Childhood and adult immunisations are bulk billed with all our doctors, and other consultation costs are on the fees page. If a baby or anyone else is struggling to breathe, call 000.
Common questions
I had whooping cough years ago. Do I still need the vaccine?
Yes. Having the infection does not give lifelong immunity, so routine doses are still recommended.
Is the vaccine safe during pregnancy?
Studies have found no link with stillbirth, pre-eclampsia, low birth weight or other poor pregnancy outcomes.
How long is someone with whooping cough contagious?
According to healthdirect, for three weeks after the cough starts, or until they have had five days of antibiotics.