Whooping cough (pertussis) is an infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It spreads very easily and can be serious. It’s important for babies, children and anyone who’s pregnant to get vaccinated against it.
The whooping cough vaccine protects babies and children from getting whooping cough. That’s why it’s important to have all the routine NHS vaccinations.
The whooping cough vaccine is routinely given as part of the:
- 6-in-1 vaccine – for babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks
- 4-in-1 pre-school booster – for children aged 3 years 4 months.
If you’re pregnant you should also have the whooping cough vaccine. You usually have it when you’re around 20 weeks pregnant. This helps protect your baby for the first few weeks of their life.
Speak to your midwife or GP surgery if you’re 20 weeks pregnant and have not been offered the whooping cough vaccine.
We understand that for some people, having a vaccination while pregnant can be worrying. If you have concerns or questions, please discuss with your Midwife or GP.
Visit the NHS website for more information on the whooping cough vaccine.