Whooping cough, or pertussis, is most dangerous for young babies, who are too young to be fully protected by their own vaccines. The whooping cough vaccine is given as a combined dTpa vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus. The people it matters most for are pregnant women, grandparents, carers and anyone who will spend time with a newborn.
Whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends one dose in each pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. Antibodies made after the dose cross to the baby and protect them in the first weeks of life, before their own vaccines begin at 2 months.
- Missed the 20 to 32 week window? Have it as soon as possible, at any time up to delivery.
- A dose in the last two weeks before birth may not protect the newborn well.
- Not vaccinated in pregnancy and your last dose was over 10 years ago? Have it soon after the birth.
The pregnancy whooping cough vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program. The flu vaccine is also free at any stage of pregnancy, and the RSV vaccine is offered between 28 and 36 weeks; a pharmacist can give it here.
Boosters for adults around babies
Adults who will be in close contact with a baby, such as partners, grandparents, early childhood educators and healthcare workers, are advised to have a booster. Adults aged 65 and over are recommended a dose if their last was more than 10 years ago. Breastfeeding women can also be vaccinated. These adult doses are usually private, so check the fee and whether you qualify for a free dose before the injection. Children receive their own doses at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months and at 4 years, with another in early high school. Free catch-up doses are available for eligible people under 20, and for refugees and other humanitarian entrants.
Pertussis vaccine in Newport: on the day
The NSW Health table allows pharmacists to give dTpa from 5 years of age. To have it with us:
- Walk in during opening hours, bringing photo ID and your Medicare card if you have one.
- Have your vaccination history handy, so the pharmacist can see when you last had a tetanus or pertussis dose.
- If you are pregnant, mention how many weeks along you are.
- We record the dose on the Australian Immunisation Register.
Read more local detail in our whooping cough article, or see every vaccine we give under walk-in vaccinations.
After the vaccine
Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site are common, along with a mild fever. Sometimes a small lump forms where the needle went in and lasts a few weeks, which needs no treatment. Wait at least 15 minutes before leaving. Call triple zero (000) if someone shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, and see your doctor or midwife if anything concerns you.
Common questions
Is the whooping cough vaccine free?
It is free in pregnancy and for eligible catch-up groups. Other adults usually pay; the pharmacist can explain the fee, or phone (02) 9999 1186.
I had the vaccine in my last pregnancy. Do I need it again?
Yes. A dose is recommended in every pregnancy so each baby gets fresh antibodies.
Should grandparents be vaccinated against whooping cough?
Yes, if their last dose was more than 10 years ago. Having it at least two weeks before the birth means protection is in place when the baby comes home.
Can I combine it with other pregnancy vaccines?
Yes. It can go alongside a COVID-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine or the RSV vaccine. Our FAQs cover general questions, and the health services page lists the rest.