Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccination

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can be extremely dangerous for newborn babies, especially those too young to be vaccinated. In some countries, adults visiting newborn relatives are advised to receive a pertussis booster to reduce the risk of passing the infection on.

At Balance Pharmacy, we provide the pertussis-containing vaccine (Boostrix-IPV) for adults and older children who need passive protection for travel or occupational purposes.

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Use the Service?

Eligible under this service if you are:

  • Aged 10 years or over

  • Travelling to visit newborn relatives or friends in countries where pertussis vaccination is recommended for close contacts

  • A healthcare worker who regularly cares for pregnant women or infants under 3 months old, and have not received a pertussis-containing vaccine in the last 5 years

This service is intended for boosters only, not primary immunisation.

Who Should Not Receive the Vaccine?

You will not be eligible if any of the following apply:

  • No valid consent

  • Under 10 years old

  • You have received a diphtheria, tetanus, polio or pertussis vaccine within the last 4 weeks

  • You require primary immunisation (you will be referred to your GP)

  • History of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria or polio vaccine

  • Allergy to neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B

  • Acute severe febrile illness (minor illness such as a cold is not a reason to delay)

  • History of Guillain–Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a tetanus-containing vaccine

  • History of encephalopathy of unknown origin within 7 days after a pertussis vaccine

  • Previous transient thrombocytopenia or neurological complications following a tetanus/diphtheria vaccine

Your pharmacist will assess suitability during your consultation.

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Use the Service?

Eligible under this service if you are:

  • Aged 10 years or over

  • Travelling to visit newborn relatives or friends in countries where pertussis vaccination is recommended for close contacts

  • A healthcare worker who regularly cares for pregnant women or infants under 3 months old, and have not received a pertussis-containing vaccine in the last 5 years

This service is intended for boosters only, not primary immunisation.

Who Should Not Receive the Vaccine?

You will not be eligible if any of the following apply:

  • No valid consent

  • Under 10 years old

  • You have received a diphtheria, tetanus, polio or pertussis vaccine within the last 4 weeks

  • You require primary immunisation (you will be referred to your GP)

  • History of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria or polio vaccine

  • Allergy to neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B

  • Acute severe febrile illness (minor illness such as a cold is not a reason to delay)

  • History of Guillain–Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a tetanus-containing vaccine

  • History of encephalopathy of unknown origin within 7 days after a pertussis vaccine

  • Previous transient thrombocytopenia or neurological complications following a tetanus/diphtheria vaccine

Your pharmacist will assess suitability during your consultation.

Why Get Vaccinated?

  • Protects newborn babies, who are most at risk of severe complications

  • Reduces the chance of spreading pertussis during travel or close contact

  • Helps healthcare workers avoid passing infection to vulnerable infants

Why Get Vaccinated?

  • Protects newborn babies, who are most at risk of severe complications

  • Reduces the chance of spreading pertussis during travel or close contact

  • Helps healthcare workers avoid passing infection to vulnerable infants

  • Pertussis vaccination for travel is not routinely recommended in the UK, however some countries do advise vaccination for close contact with newborns.
    We follow NaTHNaC guidance for destinations where this applies.

  • People who are immunocompromised may not develop full protection.

  • Vaccination may be delayed for individuals with:

    •  Progressive or unstable neurological disorders
    • Uncontrolled epilepsy
    • Progressive encephalopathy
      (Until the condition is stabilised)

  • These vaccines are not expected to pose a risk.

  • If the patient qualifies for NHS vaccination during pregnancy, they should be referred back to their GP or maternity service.

  • A single intramuscular injection, usually in the upper arm

  • Must be given at least 4 weeks after any previous tetanus, diphtheria, polio, or pertussis-containing vaccine

Protection begins to develop within 2 weeks, but timing requirements may vary depending on country-specific recommendations for travel.

Most are mild and short-lived: Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, Headache, Tiredness, Fever or Mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare. Our pharmacists are trained to manage anaphylaxis, and you will be asked to remain in the pharmacy for observation after the vaccine.

Book Your Whooping Cough Vaccination

Appointments are quick, convenient, and carried out by trained pharmacists.
Click below to book your visit or contact us if you’re unsure whether you need the vaccine.

Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.