Do I need a whooping cough vaccination?

Many people think of whooping cough as a childhood illness, but it can affect people of all ages. While symptoms may be mild in older children and adults, whooping cough can be serious for babies and young children.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to help protect yourself and those around you from whooping cough. It plays an important role in reducing the spread of the disease and protecting people who are most vulnerable to severe illness.

Key Points

• Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system.
• It can cause severe illness in babies and young children.
• Immunity from previous infection or vaccination can decrease over time.
• Vaccination is recommended during pregnancy and at various stages throughout life.
• Phoenix Health offers Extras Covers that provide benefits for whooping cough vaccinations.

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that affects the airways and lungs. It spreads easily through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The illness often begins with symptoms like a common cold, including a runny nose, mild fever and cough. Over time, the cough can become more severe and occur in prolonged coughing fits.

While many older children and adults recover without complications, whooping cough can be particularly dangerous for babies, who are at greater risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and complications.

Why does the whooping cough vaccine matter?

Whooping cough is highly contagious and can spread quickly through households, schools, childcare centres and workplaces.

Vaccination helps your immune system recognise and respond to the bacteria that causes whooping cough. While vaccination doesn’t guarantee you won’t become infected, it can reduce the risk of severe illness and help limit the spread of infection to others.

Vaccination is especially important around newborn babies, who are most vulnerable to serious complications from whooping cough.

Who should get a whooping cough vaccine?

The Australian Government recommends whooping cough vaccination at various stages throughout life to help maintain protection against the disease.

This may include:

• Pregnant women
• Babies and young children
• Adolescents
• Adults who haven’t received a booster vaccination
• Parents, grandparents and carers who have close contact with young babies

If you’re considering a whooping cough vaccine, speak with your GP or healthcare provider about whether it’s recommended for you.

Is the whooping cough vaccine free?

Whooping cough vaccination is available free under the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program for eligible groups, including children and pregnant women.

Eligibility requirements can change over time, so it’s worth checking current recommendations or speaking with your GP, pharmacist or healthcare provider.

When should you get vaccinated?

The timing of whooping cough vaccination depends on your age, health circumstances and vaccination history.

Vaccination is recommended during each pregnancy to help protect newborn babies during their first months of life. Booster vaccinations may also be recommended at certain stages throughout life as protection from previous vaccination can decrease over time.

If you’re considering a whooping cough vaccine, speak with your GP or healthcare provider about whether it’s recommended for you and when you should receive it.

Why do adults need whooping cough boosters?

Unlike some vaccinations that provide lifelong protection, immunity to whooping cough can decrease over time following vaccination or infection.

This means adults can still become infected with whooping cough and may unknowingly pass it on to vulnerable people, including newborn babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated. This is one reason why some parents ask family members and visitors to be up to date with their whooping cough vaccination before spending time with a new baby.

If you’re planning to spend time with a newborn baby, it’s worth discussing your vaccination history with your GP or healthcare provider ahead of time. Vaccines take time to become effective, and a booster vaccination may be recommended if your protection has reduced over time.

Can you still get whooping cough after being vaccinated?

Yes. No vaccine provides complete protection, and it’s still possible to develop whooping cough after vaccination.

However, vaccination can reduce the severity of illness and lower the risk of serious complications. It can also help reduce the spread of infection to others.

Does Phoenix Health cover whooping cough vaccinations?

Yes. Benefits are available with selected Phoenix Health Extras Covers for non-PBS pharmaceuticals, including some vaccinations that aren’t already subsidised through government programs.

If you’re planning to have a vaccination at a pharmacy or through another healthcare provider, it’s worth checking with us to see whether you’re eligible for a benefit.