What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious, contagious, respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
The disease begins like a cold and then the characteristic cough develops. This cough may last up to three months, even after antibiotic treatment is completed and the person is no longer infectious.
Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for babies less than six months of age. They are affected more seriously by the disease than older children or adults, and are more likely to develop complications.
This vaccination is recommended for:
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Healthcare workers
Early childhood educators and carers
Anyone in close contact with infants
Payment is required at the time the vaccine is administered.
Pre-booking is recommended for this service. Whilst we do offer walk-in service at all BUFS Pharmacies, service is subject to availability and timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Bendigo UFS Pharmacies can only vaccinate patients from 12 years of age for the Whooping Cough vaccination.
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The National Immunisation Program (NIP) was set up by the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments in 1997. The program aims to increase national immunisation coverage to reduce the number of cases of diseases that are preventable by vaccination in Australia. Bendigo UFS Pharmacies participates in the NIPVIP program and the whooping cough combination vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:
children aged 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and 4 years
adolescents aged 12-13 years through school-based vaccination programs
pregnant women (ideally between 20-32 weeks)
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We recommend visiting www.betterhealth.com.au as a great information source. To locate more information regarding Whooping Cough directly visit here.
References:
1.https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/whooping-cough -
Whilst the vaccine is primarily administered to prevent Pertussis (Whooping Cough), the Boostrix vaccine also protects against Tetanus and Diphtheria. These are all serious life-threatening diseases caused by bacterial infection.
The vaccine is recommended for any adults who wish to reduce their likelihood of becoming ill, and is particularly important for those in contact with infants aged <6 months. The vaccine is also recommended for people aged ≥65 years if their last dose was more than 10 years ago.
Last updated May 2025