Whooping Cough Vaccines
Whooping Cough Vaccine Brisbane (Pertussis)
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. It can cause severe coughing fits and complications, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from this serious illness.
At Narangba Station Medical Centre, we offer whooping cough vaccines for children, adults, and pregnant individuals as part of a combination vaccination alongside Tetanus and Diphtheria. Our GPs ensure that the vaccination process is straightforward and tailored to your needs. Take an important step in protecting your health and the health of your loved ones by booking your whooping cough vaccine today.
Book a Consultation today.
To schedule your consultation and vaccination, call us on (07) 3521 4333, click below to book online, or download the AMS Connect app for easy access to appointments. Our friendly team is here to help you take this important step in protecting your health and the health of those around you.
Opening Hours
We're open 7 days a week with late-night availability on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekend appointments are also available to all patients.
Stay up to date with your vaccinations
The whooping cough vaccine is often provided as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule and is also recommended for adults in certain circumstances, including pregnancy or before close contact with young children. If you are unsure about your vaccination status or that of your family, book a consultation with our friendly GPs today.
What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is highly contagious and can affect people of all ages, although complications are more common in infants and vulnerable individuals.
Symptoms often begin like a common cold, with mild coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. However, as the illness progresses, the coughing becomes more severe, leading to characteristic "whooping" sounds, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.
Who needs the Whooping Cough Vaccine?
Vaccination is recommended for:
- Infants and Children: Given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.
- Pregnant Individuals: A dose during each pregnancy (ideally between 20 and 32 weeks) to protect newborns who are too young to be vaccinated.
- Close Contacts of Infants: Parents, grandparents, and carers of newborns are advised to ensure they are vaccinated.
- Adults and Healthcare Workers: Individuals at risk of exposure or in contact with vulnerable groups.
- Travelling Relatives: If you are travelling from overseas when visiting a newborn child, it is generally recommended to be vaccinated for pertussis.
Our experienced and caring GPs can assess your situation and provide guidance on whether the vaccine is appropriate for you.
How is Whooping Cough spread?
Whooping cough spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The bacterium can also linger on surfaces for short periods, making good hygiene practices essential.
By staying up to date with vaccinations, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the disease.
Whooping Cough Symptoms
Symptoms of Whooping Cough usually begin with cold-like symptoms followed by the cough worsening. They include:
- Mild cough, sneezing, or runny nose (similar to a cold)
- Severe, uncontrollable coughing fits
- High-pitched "whooping" sound during breathing
- Vomiting after coughing
- Fatigue and difficulty catching breath
Infants may not develop the characteristic "whoop" but can experience dangerous pauses in breathing (apnoea). Early vaccination is crucial to prevent these severe symptoms.
Long Term Complications
Without vaccination, whooping cough can lead to serious complications, particularly in vulnerable groups. These include:
- Pneumonia: A common complication of pertussis.
- Seizures: Caused by lack of oxygen during coughing fits.
- Brain Damage: Rare but possible due to severe oxygen deprivation.
- Death: Most fatalities occur in unvaccinated infants under six months old.
Vaccination provides a strong layer of protection, reducing the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications.
Whooping Cough Vaccination Side Effects
The whooping cough vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. Common side effects are generally mild and temporary, including:
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
- Low-grade fever or irritability
- Fatigue or mild muscle aches
Serious side effects are extremely rare. If you have concerns after vaccination, speak to your GP for advice.
Fees & Process
The Pertussis vaccination may fall under the National Immunisation Program for most people in Queensland. For adults and children, please check your eligibility and recommended dosage schedule here. Please note that all consultations at Narangba Station Medical Centre are privately billed. It is important to obtain a consultation prior to administering any vaccinations to ensure your eligibility and health risks. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss any associated fees, your vaccination schedule and ensure that the vaccine is appropriate for you by assessing your medical history.
Once you have had your initial consultation and a vaccination schedule has been set, generally speaking, you will not require to see the doctor again and can book directly with our nurses or reception team at NSMC. Please note that for vaccinations, our telephone booking service is simpler than online bookings.
The process is quick, convenient, and tailored to yours and your family’s needs. Schedule your consultation today by calling NSMC on (07) 3521 4333 or booking online.
For a detailed overview of all our practice fees, please visit our Fees page.
Why Choose NSMC?
Conveniently located next to Narangba Train Station, NSMC combines accessibility, affordability, and high-quality medical services to meet the diverse healthcare needs of north Brisbane residents. Our experience medical team, led by Dr. Madhu Lakshmaiah, ensures personalized, patient-centered care with holistic solutions to a variety of health concerns. We're open 7 days a week with after-hours availability and our patients also benefit from the convenience of on-site blood tests, free parking, and proximity to a local pharmacy.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about preventative care and vaccinations available for Whooping Cough? No problem! Here are the most commonly asked questions our GPs receive about Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccinations in Brisbane.
The whooping cough vaccine generally requires a booster every 10 years for adults. However, specific circumstances may call for additional doses. For example, pregnant women are recommended to receive the vaccine during every pregnancy to protect their newborns. Additionally, individuals in close contact with young infants, such as parents, grandparents, or carers, may be advised to get a booster to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Yes, the whooping cough vaccine is safe and highly recommended during pregnancy. It provides dual protection by reducing the mother’s risk of contracting the illness and passing antibodies to the baby before birth. This early protection is critical, as newborns are highly vulnerable to severe complications from whooping cough and cannot start their vaccination series until six weeks of age.
Yes, infants receive the whooping cough vaccine as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. The vaccine is typically administered at six weeks, four months, and six months of age, with booster doses given later in childhood to maintain immunity. These early doses are essential for building protection during the critical first months of life.
If you’re uncertain about your vaccination history, your GP can review your immunisation records or discuss your medical history with you. If records are unavailable, your doctor may recommend a booster dose to ensure you’re protected. It’s always better to err on the side of caution, as maintaining immunity can help prevent the spread of whooping cough.
Immunity from childhood vaccinations decreases over time, which means adults are at risk of contracting and spreading whooping cough. This is especially concerning for adults who interact with vulnerable groups, such as newborns or those with weakened immune systems. Receiving a booster dose helps protect both yourself and others by reducing the likelihood of transmitting the disease.
If you suspect exposure to whooping cough, it’s important to consult your GP as soon as possible. Depending on your vaccination status and individual circumstances, your doctor may recommend preventive antibiotics or a booster vaccination to reduce the risk of developing the illness. Prompt action can help protect you and those around you from potential complications.
Contact & Bookings
To make an appointment, please call reception or use our online booking system via the button below. You can also visit our contact page to see further details about our location and directions.
Bookings are available from as early as 7AM on weekdays and Saturday. We are also open Sunday afternoon and late evening on Tuesday and Thursday until 8:30PM.Â
Can't find us? - We are situated across the road from Narangba Train Station next to the Narangba Village shopping complex. Look for signs for Narangba Health Centre and IGA.
Serving patients in Narangba, Burpengary, Dakabin, Deception Bay, Morayfield, North Lakes and North Brisbane surrounds