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Whooping Cough Vaccination

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is an infectious respiratory illness that causes prolonged episodes of severe coughing lasting for two to three months or even longer. Young children are particularly vulnerable to the disease and may experience complications. In rare instances, the infection has the potential to be fatal.

Travel Vaccinations

Per Dose

Course

Whooping Cough

£104 per dose

1 Dose

Prevention

Getting vaccinated can protect infants and children from whooping cough with three key vaccinations currently available:

Pregnancy  

The vaccine for whooping cough is administered after the 20th week of pregnancy to protect your baby during their first weeks of life.

Infants  

A six-in-one vaccine is given as part of the immunization schedule at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks of age.

Children  

A preschool four-in-one booster shot is typically given when the child reaches 3 years and 4 months of age.

These vaccines provide protection during the vulnerable stages of infancy and early childhood but do not guarantee lifelong immunity. 

Countries at Risk

Whooping cough is a globally prevalent illness that spreads easily among people.

Travel Precautions

Getting vaccinated can help shield infants and young children from whooping cough during their critical early stages of life. Outbreaks can occur, and some countries, like Australia, may require proof of an up-to-date booster shot for adults planning to visit newborns.

Whooping cough is highly contagious and can spread from about 6 days after infection until approximately 3 weeks after coughing begins. It’s best to avoid travel while you are contagious.

Signs and Symptoms

At the onset of whooping cough, one may experience symptoms akin to those of a cold:

  • Runny nose
  • Red and teary eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Increased temperature
  • Irritability

Around a week after the onset of symptoms, severe cough episodes typically emerge.

During these cough episodes, which can occur in clusters or spells lasting up to a few minutes each, the affected individual might experience facial flushing and struggle to catch their breath, occasionally emitting a distinctive ‘whoop’ sound when inhaling, although not everyone will manifest this specific symptom.

The forcefulness of the coughs often leads to the expulsion of mucus and can sometimes trigger vomiting.

In severe cases, infants and young children may briefly exhibit a bluish discolouration (cyanosis), indicating difficulty breathing.