As a grandparent, one of the most impactful ways to protect your new grandchild is to have a whooping cough vaccination or a whooping cough booster before meeting them. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that poses serious risks to young children. The whooping cough vaccination is available now at Mernda Village Medical Centre.

Read on to learn more about the disease and how being vaccinated against it can safeguard your grandchild’s health.

FACTS ON THIS PAGE

Why Grandparents Should Get the Whooping Cough Vaccination

Newborns and young children are especially vulnerable to whooping cough because their immune systems are still developing. Adults can carry and transmit the bacteria that causes pertussis without showing symptoms. As a grandparent, you could unwittingly spread whooping cough. By receiving a whooping cough vaccination or a whooping cough booster, you’ll help create a protective barrier around your grandchild, minimising their risk of infection.

Even if you’re not a grandparent but have a new baby in your life, it’s important to seek a whooping cough vaccination.

Understanding the Symptoms of Whooping Cough

Whooping cough begins with symptoms that resemble a common cold: runny nose, a mild cough, and low-grade fever. However, it can quickly escalate to severe coughing fits that can lead to exhaustion, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. The characteristic whoop sound often heard after a coughing fit is a hallmark of the disease.

The Importance of Whooping Cough Booster Shots

Even if you’ve had a whooping cough vaccination in the past, immunity can wane. For this reason, it’s essential to consider a whooping cough booster shot. For adults who wish to be protected from whooping cough, a booster is recommended every 10 years. A booster helps to reinforce your immunity, reducing the likelihood of carrying and transmitting the disease.

What to Expect When Getting Vaccinated

Getting a whooping cough vaccine or booster is easy! It involves a quick injection, which can induce typically mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or a slight fever. Most people resume normal activities shortly after the vaccination.

Senior gentleman coughing while sitting at a table, holding a glass of water.

FAQs About Whooping Cough Vaccination

Here are some common questions about whooping cough vaccination:

How often should I get a whooping cough booster?

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends whooping cough vaccines for:

  • Children at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months, and 4 years of age
  • Adolescents at 11–13 years of age
  • Adults at ages 50 years and 65 years
  • Any person in close contact with infants
  • Pregnant women during every pregnancy, from 20 weeks gestation

Is the whooping cough vaccine safe?

Yes, the vaccine is safe and effective. Common side effects are minor and temporary. Serious side effects are extremely rare.

Can I get a whooping cough booster if I’m pregnant?

Vaccination is recommended during each pregnancy, including pregnancies that are closely spaced, to provide maximal protection to every infant. It’s generally advised to get the booster during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the baby.

What should I do if I think I have whooping cough?

If you suspect you have whooping cough, see your healthcare provider promptly. Early treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.

Protect Your Grandchild Today

For further details, please speak with your vaccination provider.

Further Reading

Learn more about Whooping Cough from the Australian Government Department of Health.

For further reading on Whooping Cough, visit Healthdirect.

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