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FAQ

How serious is whooping cough?

Page last updated 11 December 2018

Whooping cough can be serious and life-threatening to babies. They are at increased risk until they’ve received 3 doses of vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.

Baby

Your baby’s immune system is not fully developed like older children and adults. Therefore, vaccination is an effective way to protect your baby against certain vaccine-preventable diseases.

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Whooping cough can be debilitating for adults. It is sometimes called the 100-day cough because the average duration of cough for an adult with whooping cough is 3 months.

Adults

Vaccination regimes have changed over time, so even if you think you are fully vaccinated, it’s important to visit your healthcare professional to see if you may require any booster vaccinations.

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Middle Age

Vaccination is safe and the most effective way to lower your chances of becoming seriously ill or hospitalised from vaccine-preventable diseases. 

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Older adult

Vaccination is safe and the most effective way to lower your chances of becoming seriously ill or hospitalised from vaccine-preventable diseases. By keeping up-to-date with your vaccinations, you’r

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Sources & Citations

  1. NHMRC. The Australian Immunisation Handbook. 2013; 10th edition: Pertussis: 302 – 316. Available at: http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/Handbook10-home~handbook10part4~handbook10-4-12