Private Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccination

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The infection typically progresses through several stages, each with its own set of symptoms.

The Whooping Cough vaccine, also known as Boostrix IPV, is recommended as a single dose for expectant mothers between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. This vaccination has proven to be highly effective in safeguarding children from whooping cough until they are old enough to receive their own vaccination at 2 months of age. In some countries, close family members are also advised to get the booster if they are in close contact with a newborn baby.

It’s important to note that there is no standalone vaccine for whooping cough. Instead, the Boostrix IPV vaccine is used, providing protection not only against whooping cough but also against Polio, Diphtheria, and Tetanus.

The symptoms of whooping cough can vary in severity, and they often resemble those of a common cold in the early stages. The characteristic “whooping” sound when inhaling occurs in later stages of the illness. Here are the typical symptoms and stages of whooping cough:

‍Catarrhal Stage (First Stage): Runny or stuffy nose. Sneezing. Mild, occasional cough, which may be mistaken for a cold.

‍Paroxysmal Stage (Second Stage): Severe, uncontrollable coughing fits. These coughing spells can be intense and may lead to vomiting, exhaustion, and difficulty breathing. The “whooping” sound, which is a high-pitched intake of breath after a coughing fit. Not everyone with whooping cough makes this sound, especially older children and adults. Coughing fits can be worse at night.

‍Convalescent Stage (Third Stage): Coughing fits become less frequent and less severe but can persist for several weeks.

At Private Medical Clinic, we understand the importance of proactive healthcare. Our private clinics across the UK provide a welcoming environment for discussing your vaccine options.

Our team of experts is here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the vaccination process.

Book your Whooping Cough vaccine through our online calendar. Simply select a date and time that works for you, enter your details, and one of our experienced GPs will walk you through the necessary steps.