Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Whooping Cough Vaccine

Whooping Cough Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Known for severe coughing fits followed by a “whoop” sound, it primarily affects infants but can infect all ages.

Vaccination with DTaP for children and Tdap for older individuals is crucial for prevention, though outbreaks still highlight the need for high vaccination rates.

Vaccination Pricing

£90 – 1 dose required

Signs & Symptoms

  • Coughing and breathing difficulties

  • Congestion and a runny nose

  • Headache

  • Muscle aches

  • Pneumonia and seizures (in severe cases).

James Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 522 880

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

19 St Georges Road, Cheltenham GL50 3DT

Wymans Brook Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 221 988

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Unit 1, Windyridge Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4RA

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Booster required
Pregnant women (over 18 yrs) between 16-38 weeks 1 – 2 – 6 weeks 16 – 32 weeks
10 yrs and over* 1 – 2 – 6 weeks –

* have not received a dose of a whooping cough-containing vaccine in the last five years and no tetanus-diphtheria-inactivated polio vaccine (Td-IPV) in the preceding month.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and airways. It’s highly contagious and can be especially dangerous for babies and pregnant women. The infection causes severe coughing fits that can make it hard to breathe.



Whooping cough spreads through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is extremely contagious, especially in the early stages before the characteristic cough develops. Infected individuals can spread the bacteria for up to three weeks after symptoms begin, unless treated with antibiotics. Prevention relies heavily on vaccination, which is included in routine childhood immunisation schedules (e.g. DTaP for children and Tdap for adolescents and adults). Booster doses are recommended in pregnancy, around 32 weeks, to protect newborns. Other prevention methods include avoiding close contact with infected individuals, especially around infants, and practising good respiratory hygiene.



It starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by intense coughing fits that can last for weeks. The cough often ends with a “whooping” sound as the person gasps for air. It can also cause vomiting, exhaustion, and difficulty feeding in babies.





Pregnant women over 18 years of age. Ideally vaccinate between 16-38 weeks of pregnancy.

An injection in the upper arm.

Yes. Your baby will still need to be vaccinated according to the normal NHS vaccination schedule when they reach 2 months old.

The whooping cough vaccine is typically administered as part of combination vaccines: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) for children and Tdap for older children and adults. Protection begins to build shortly after the primary series, which is given in multiple doses starting from 8 weeks of age. However, immunity wanes over time, which is why booster doses are important. In general, protection lasts around 4 to 6 years after the final childhood dose, and booster shots are recommended for adolescents and adults, especially during pregnancy to protect newborns. Adults who haven’t had a booster in the last 10 years may need one if in close contact with infants or working in healthcare.

The whooping cough vaccine is not usually required for travel in the same way that yellow fever or cholera vaccines are, but it is strongly recommended for travel to countries where healthcare access is limited, or where outbreaks are occurring. Most high-income countries, including the UK, US, Australia, and EU nations, recommend keeping up to date with pertussis vaccination, particularly for pregnant women and people travelling with infants. Some countries may include pertussis in occupational health requirements for healthcare workers or caregivers, and certain travel clinics may advise a booster based on destination-specific risk and personal health history.

Side effects are usually mild and include temporary soreness or mild fever. The vaccine is safe during pregnancy and helps protect babies until they can have their own vaccines.

Protect your family’s health—book your whooping cough vaccine with us and stay safe from this persistent and highly contagious illness.





Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

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The Cheltenham Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

Contact us today to get your and your loved ones protected.

Same Day Appointments

We are pleased to offer same-day appointments at Cheltenham Travel Clinic, to ensure you receive prompt and efficient care when you need it most.

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Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

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