Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Although it can affect people of any age, it can be especially serious for babies under six months, sometimes causing breathing difficulties, pneumonia and hospitalisation.

Understanding when vaccination is recommended, how long protection lasts and whether you need a booster can help you make informed decisions about your health and your family's protection.

1. How Long Does the Whooping Cough Vaccine Last?

The whooping cough vaccine does not provide lifelong protection. Immunity gradually decreases over time, although the exact duration of protection varies between individuals and depends on factors such as age, vaccination history and the type of vaccine received.

This is why Australia has a vaccination schedule that includes childhood doses, adolescent boosters and additional recommendations for certain adults.

For adults, a booster is particularly important if they work in healthcare or childcare, or have close contact with young babies. The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends a booster every 10 years for healthcare workers, early childhood educators and carers, and people in close contact with infants.

Pregnancy has a separate recommendation: women should receive a whooping cough vaccination during every pregnancy, even if they have been vaccinated recently.

The reason is simple. Antibodies decrease over time, and vaccination during pregnancy helps transfer protective antibodies to the baby before birth.

2. The Childhood Whooping Cough Vaccination Schedule at a Glance

Children receive whooping cough protection through combination vaccines that also protect against other diseases, including diphtheria and tetanus.

Under the Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP), the routine schedule includes:

These doses help build and maintain protection as children grow. Keeping up with the recommended schedule is important because babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to complications from whooping cough.

If your child has missed a scheduled dose, speak with your GP about catch-up vaccination. The appropriate schedule will depend on their age and previous vaccination history.

3. Whooping Cough Vaccination During Pregnancy: Why Every Pregnancy Matters

Vaccination against whooping cough is recommended during every pregnancy, even if you received the vaccine during a previous pregnancy or recently had a booster.

The ideal time to receive the dTpa vaccine is between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. It can still be given later, up to delivery, if you missed the recommended window.

How does it protect your baby?

When a pregnant woman receives the vaccine, her immune system produces antibodies against pertussis. These antibodies pass through the placenta to the developing baby, providing early protection after birth.

This is particularly important because babies are too young to receive their first routine whooping cough vaccination until two months of age.

Australian health guidance reports that maternal vaccination significantly reduces the risk of whooping cough in young infants. The protection helps cover the vulnerable period before the baby's own vaccinations begin.

Why is it needed in every pregnancy?

Antibody levels decline over time. A vaccination received during an earlier pregnancy may not provide enough antibodies to protect a baby born later.

Receiving the vaccine during each pregnancy helps ensure that every newborn has the benefit of maternal antibodies.

The whooping cough vaccine is available free to pregnant women through the National Immunisation Program, subject to eligibility requirements.

4. Should Grandparents, Carers and Other Adults Get a Booster?

Newborn babies are often surrounded by parents, grandparents, siblings and other carers. If one of these close contacts has whooping cough, they can pass the infection to the baby, even if their own symptoms are mild.

Adults who regularly care for young babies should check whether their vaccination is up to date.

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends a dTpa booster for adult household contacts and carers of babies under six months if their last dose was more than 10 years ago. Ideally, vaccination should take place at least two weeks before close contact with the baby.

A booster is also recommended every 10 years for:

• Healthcare workers.
• Early childhood educators and carers.
• People in close contact with infants.

Grandparents planning to spend time with a newborn should discuss their vaccination history with their GP. A doctor can help determine whether a booster is recommended based on their last dose and circumstances.

5. What Side Effects Can You Expect After the Whooping Cough Vaccine?

The dTpa vaccine is generally well tolerated. Like other vaccinations, it can cause mild side effects as the immune system responds.

Common reactions may include:

• Pain, redness or swelling around the injection site.
• Mild fever.
• Headache.
• Tiredness.
• Muscle aches.
• Feeling generally unwell.

These reactions are usually temporary and settle within a few days. A cool compress may help ease discomfort around the injection site.

Serious allergic reactions are rare. If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or another severe reaction after vaccination, seek urgent medical attention.

If you have a history of serious allergic reactions or are concerned about a previous vaccine reaction, discuss this with your GP before receiving another dose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the whooping cough vaccine free in Australia?

The whooping cough vaccine is available free under the National Immunisation Program for eligible groups, including pregnant women and children receiving routine scheduled vaccinations. Some other adults may need to pay for a booster. Check your eligibility and any associated costs with your GP or vaccination provider.

Can I get the whooping cough vaccine with my flu shot?

Yes. The whooping cough vaccine can be given at the same visit as the influenza vaccine. This is particularly useful during pregnancy, when both vaccinations are recommended. Your healthcare professional can advise on the appropriate timing and administration.

How do I check my whooping cough vaccination record?

You can check your immunisation history through your Medicare online account linked to myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app. Your Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) record contains information about vaccinations reported to the register. You can also ask your GP or vaccination provider to review your records.

Do adults need a whooping cough booster?

Some adults are recommended to receive boosters, particularly healthcare workers, early childhood educators and carers, and people in close contact with infants. For these groups, a booster is recommended every 10 years. Your GP can assess your vaccination history and individual circumstances.

Can I still get vaccinated if I am more than 32 weeks pregnant?

Yes. Although the ideal window is between 20 and 32 weeks, the vaccine can be given up to delivery if you missed the recommended timing. Speak with your GP or maternity care provider as soon as possible.

Stay Up to Date With Your Whooping Cough Vaccination

Whooping cough vaccination is important at different stages of life, from childhood boosters to adult vaccination and pregnancy. Since protection fades over time, checking your immunisation history can help you understand whether you or your family members need another dose.

If you are pregnant, planning to spend time with a newborn or unsure about your last booster, speak with a GP for advice based on your vaccination history.

At Dockside Medical Hub, Kangaroo Point, our healthcare team provides immunisation services for children, adults and families, including whooping cough vaccination. Our GPs can review your vaccination history, discuss recommended doses and help you understand your options.

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