What the whooping cough vaccine protects you from

Whooping cough (pertussis) causes breathing difficulties and severe coughing fits. The cough can go on for weeks or months which is why it’s sometimes called the ‘100 day cough’.

It can lead to pneumonia, seizures, and other brain issues. More than half of babies under 12 months old who catch it need to go to hospital, and up to 1 in 50 of these babies die.

It can easily spread between family members by coughing and sneezing. It can also spread quickly around early education centres and schools.

Whooping cough is not under control in Aotearoa New Zealand. When outbreaks occur, it affects thousands of people.

Find out more about symptoms, causes and treatment.

Whooping cough (internal link)


When to get a whooping cough vaccine

You need multiple whooping cough vaccinations to protect you throughout your life.

Whooping cough vaccines are free for pregnant people, all children under 18 years old and adults from 45 and 65 years old.

During every pregnancy

Protecting your tamariki from whooping cough starts during pregnancy.

Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for babies — especially those who have not been vaccinated. More than half of babies under 12 months old who catch whooping cough need to go to hospital, and up to 1 in 50 of these babies die.

By getting immunised when you are pregnant, you will protect your pēpi until they can have their first immunisations when they are 6 weeks old. This is because your immunity passes to your baby through the placenta.

It is most effective when given from 16 to 26 weeks of pregnancy, but is available and free from 13 weeks of every pregnancy. 

Pregnancy and immunisations (internal link)


6 weeks old

As babies get older, the immunity that crossed from the placenta gets weaker and so they need their own immunity from whooping cough as soon as possible.

When your pēpi turns 6 weeks old they should get the first of their 3 doses of the whooping cough vaccine.


3 months old

At 3 months old, a second dose of the whooping cough vaccine is due.


5 months old

At 5 months old, a third dose of the whooping cough vaccine is due.


4 years old

Protection against whooping cough weakens over time, so it is important that tamariki have a booster when they turn 4 years old – before they start school.


From 11 years old

Another booster to help protect against whooping cough is recommended from 11 years old.

It is available through some schools for students in Year 7 and is also free from your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider.


Adults

Certain adults are recommended to have a whooping cough booster at least every 10 years. This includes people who:

  • work with young children and vulnerable people
  • live with a newborn baby
  • are at higher risk of severe illness from whooping cough, for example those with chronic respiratory disease.

Free tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough vaccine (Boostrix) are offered:

  • for some people from 45 years old (if they have received fewer than 4 tetanus doses in their life-time), and
  • for everyone from 65 years old (if it has been more than 10 years since previous dose of Td or Tdap). If you have already had a free tetanus and diphtheria vaccine from age 65, you will not be eligible for a free Boostrix vaccine.

If you are not eligible for a free whooping cough booster, they can be purchased. Your vaccinator can give you advice on how often it is recommended you have a booster.

It will cost between $40 and $90 depending on where you book.


Which vaccine is used

Protection against whooping cough is given in vaccines that also protect against other diseases.

  • Babies are given the diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, hep B, and hib vaccine.
  • 4 year olds are given the diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio vaccine.
  • Everyone aged 11 and over are given the tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough vaccine (Boostrix).

It is not possible to separate these out — you cannot have just a whooping cough vaccine.

Side effects and reactions

Side effects and reactions of each vaccine are listed on their pages.


Book a whooping cough vaccination

Whooping cough vaccines are free for pregnant people, all children under 18 years old and adults from 45 and 65 years.

If you need to pay, it will cost between $40 and $90 depending on where you book.

For ages 13 and over

Vaccinations for individuals or groups aged 13 years or over can be booked online or over the phone.

For ages 12 and under

Book directly with your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider if you are booking for tamariki under 13 years.

You can search Healthpoint to see where Boostrix vaccines are given and find contact details to find out how much they charge.

Find Boostrix sites near you — Healthpoint (external link)

If you do not have a doctor, Healthpoint has a list and map of vaccination places that anyone can access. This includes pharmacies and doctors that take casual (not enrolled) patients.


Catch up on a missed immunisation

If you have missed any immunisations it is okay. You can catch up on most immunisations.

For advice, talk to your doctor, nurse, or trusted healthcare professional.

Catching up on missed immunisations (internal link)