Travel vaccine

Whooping Cough Vaccine

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes long bouts of coughing. It can be very serious for young babies. Vaccination in pregnancy protects newborns, and keeping children up to date is important before travel.

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Key facts

Who it's for

Pregnant women (to protect newborns) and children who aren't up to date

In pregnancy

Recommended in every pregnancy, ideally from around 16 weeks

Vaccine type

Given as a combined vaccine (with diphtheria, tetanus and polio)

Childhood doses

Part of the routine UK schedule from 8 weeks of age

Protection

Reduces over time, so boosters and pregnancy doses matter

How it spreads

Coughs, sneezes and close contact

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is caused by bacteria spread easily through coughs and sneezes. It causes intense coughing fits that can last for weeks, sometimes ending in a 'whoop' sound as the person gasps for breath. While older children and adults usually recover, it can be very serious — even life-threatening — for young babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

Protection comes from the routine UK childhood vaccines and, importantly, from vaccination during pregnancy, which passes protection to the baby for their first vulnerable weeks. For travel, the key is making sure children are up to date and that pregnant travellers are protected.

Risk areas

Whooping cough occurs throughout the world, including the UK, where outbreaks happen from time to time. It is more common where vaccination coverage is lower. Because it spreads so easily, exposure can occur anywhere people are in close contact, so being up to date matters wherever you are travelling.

Risk for travellers

The greatest risk is to young babies, who can become seriously unwell. Pregnant travellers are encouraged to have the vaccine to protect their newborn, and families should make sure children are up to date before travelling — particularly to areas experiencing outbreaks or with lower vaccination coverage. Older children and adults can still catch and pass on the infection, so keeping protection current helps protect the most vulnerable.

What are the symptoms of Whooping Cough?

Cold-like symptoms at first — runny nose and sore throat
Intense bouts of coughing that can last for minutes
A 'whoop' sound when gasping for breath (more common in children)
Coughing that brings up thick mucus, sometimes with vomiting
Becoming red or blue in the face during coughing fits
In young babies, pauses in breathing rather than an obvious cough

How does the Whooping Cough Vaccine work?

Whooping cough vaccine is given as part of a combined vaccine (with diphtheria, tetanus and polio). It's part of the routine UK childhood schedule from 8 weeks of age, and is recommended in every pregnancy — ideally from around 16 weeks — to protect the baby in their first weeks of life. For travel, we'll check that children are up to date and advise pregnant travellers on protection. Bring your records to your appointment.

Book your appointment for Whooping Cough Vaccine right now.

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Who should have the whooping cough vaccine?

Protecting the youngest and most vulnerable is the priority. The vaccine is especially important if you are:

Pregnant — vaccination protects your baby for their first vulnerable weeks
A parent of a baby or young child who isn't yet fully vaccinated
Travelling with children who are behind on their routine vaccinations
Heading to an area experiencing outbreaks or with lower vaccination coverage

Vaccination in pregnancy

Whooping cough vaccination is recommended in every pregnancy, ideally from around 16 weeks. The protection passes to your baby and helps guard them during the first weeks of life, before they're old enough to be vaccinated themselves.

It's given as a combined vaccine and is safe in pregnancy. We'll confirm the right timing and answer any questions at your appointment.

Possible side effects

Side effects are usually mild and settle quickly:

Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
Headache or tiredness
A mildly raised temperature
Serious reactions are very rare

Protecting babies while travelling

Because young babies are most at risk, a few simple steps help protect them:

Make sure your own and your children's vaccinations are up to date before you travel
Keep newborns away from anyone with a persistent cough where possible
Encourage good hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes
Seek medical advice promptly if a baby has coughing fits or pauses in breathing

FAQ