In the UK, whooping cough is now rare due to vaccination against the bacterium causing it. But it is still very important that babies and young children are vaccinated against whooping cough, because it is still possible for the infection to occur.
The 5-in-1 vaccine
The whooping cough vaccine is given as part of the 5-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib), which also protects against diphtheria, tetanus, polio and Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b).
In the UK, babies are given the 5-in-1 vaccine when they are two, three and four months old. A pre-school booster vaccine (DTap/IPV) is also given before children start school (when they are about three years and four months old).
The vaccine is an inactive version of the whooping cough infection. After vaccination, the body produces antibodies against the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. These antibodies provide protection against infection.
The vaccine is given in three separate jabs and a booster, so that your child's body has time to build up an effective level of protection.
As babies and young children are mostly affected by diseases such as whooping cough, the 5-in-1 vaccine is given at a young age. The vaccine is very safe.
Side effects
The most common side effects that babies experience are:
- pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
- irritability and increased crying
- being off colour or having a fever
For more information, see the Health A-Z page on Side effects of the 5-in-1 vaccine.
If your child has a problem with their immune system, speak to your GP for advice about vaccination. Babies with mild coughs or colds can still have the vaccine.
Preventative antibiotics
Some people are considered to be more at risk of developing whooping cough than others, or may be more likely to develop a serious form of the condition. These people include children under five years of age (who may not yet be fully vaccinated) and those who are not vaccinated.
If you think that you or your child may be at risk, see your GP because you may need to take a course of antibiotics to prevent the illness from developing.
