Health agencies have confirmed that Aotearoa New Zealand currently has a whooping cough epidemic, with a nationally coordinated response now in place.
Whooping cough epidemic declared across Aotearoa New Zealand — Health New Zealand
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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.
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 women, 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.
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 tetanus and diphtheria or tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine). If you have already had the previously funded tetanus and diphtheria vaccine from age 65, you are not 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 women, 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 11 and over
Vaccinations for individuals or groups aged 11 years or over can be booked online or over the phone.
- Book a vaccine online
- Book over the phone: 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).
For ages 10 and under
Book directly with your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider if you are booking for tamariki 10 years and under.
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
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.