Whooping Cough Vaccination
Private pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination — recommended for adults, new parents, carers of infants, and healthcare workers.
Overview
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Despite routine childhood vaccination, pertussis remains common in the UK — particularly because immunity from childhood vaccination wanes over time.
The disease is most dangerous for newborn babies under 6 months, who are too young to be fully vaccinated. In infants, pertussis can cause severe, life-threatening complications including pneumonia, brain damage, and death.
At Gloucester Travel Clinic, we offer the dTaP/IPV booster (Repevax® or Boostrix-IPV®) as a private vaccination — the same vaccine given routinely during pregnancy in England to protect newborns via maternal antibody transfer. Boosters are recommended for adults whose childhood immunity has faded and for those who will be in close contact with newborns.
Who Should Get a Booster?
- New parents, grandparents, and carers of babies under 6 months who have not had a recent pertussis booster ("cocoon" strategy)
- Healthcare and childcare workers who have not had a booster in the last 10 years
- Adults who have never received a pertussis-containing vaccine or have an incomplete vaccination history
- Pregnant women — also offered free on the NHS between weeks 16–32 as part of the maternal pertussis programme
- Travellers planning to spend time in regions with current pertussis outbreaks
Note: Pregnant women are eligible for the NHS maternal pertussis vaccine — please speak to your midwife. Our service is for non-pregnant adults and those who want a private booster.
Vaccine Details & Pricing
| Vaccine | Repevax® or Boostrix-IPV® (dTaP/IPV) |
| Components | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis & Polio booster |
| Doses required | 1 dose (booster) |
| Price | £80 |
| Duration of protection | Approximately 10 years |
| Minimum age | 3 years 4 months (as routine booster) |
A £20 consultation fee applies to first-visit patients. Note the vaccine also covers diphtheria, tetanus, and polio — providing a comprehensive boost.
Symptoms of Whooping Cough
Pertussis typically progresses in stages:
- Catarrhal stage (1–2 weeks): Runny nose, mild cough, low-grade fever — easily mistaken for a common cold
- Paroxysmal stage (2–8 weeks): Severe, prolonged coughing fits ending with a characteristic "whoop" (desperate gasp for breath), often followed by vomiting
- Convalescent stage (weeks to months): Gradual recovery, though coughing may persist
In young infants, the "whoop" may be absent — the first sign may be apnoea (stopping breathing), which is a medical emergency.
Side Effects
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever, headache, or fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms for 1–2 days
Serious reactions are extremely rare. Our pharmacists will advise you on what to expect and what to do if you have concerns after vaccination.