Single-dose pertussis booster for pregnant women, partners of pregnant women, and grandparents-to-be. Whooping cough is severe in babies under 6 months who are too young for routine immunisation — maternal vaccination passes protective antibodies across the placenta.
NHS offers free pertussis vaccination to pregnant women between 16 and 32 weeks. Private is for partners, grandparents and anyone in close contact who wants to protect a newborn. Single dose, BOOSTRIX-IPV combines pertussis with tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
Clinical brief · Bordetella pertussis
What every new parent should know.
Three things to understand about whooping cough and newborns.
Whooping cough vaccine — recommended in pregnancy
Why is whooping cough so dangerous to babies?
Babies under 6 months can’t complete the routine immunisation schedule yet, but they’re the most vulnerable group. Whooping cough in newborns causes apnoea (stopped breathing) episodes, pneumonia, seizures, and a small but real risk of death. Most infant cases come from infection by adults whose own immunity has waned.
How does maternal vaccination protect a baby?
When a pregnant woman receives BOOSTRIX-IPV between 16 and 32 weeks, her body produces antibodies that cross the placenta. The newborn is then protected against pertussis from birth until they can complete their own routine schedule at 8, 12 and 16 weeks.
What about partners and grandparents?
Anyone in regular close contact with a newborn — partners, grandparents, siblings, childminders — should consider a booster if their last dose was over 5 years ago. This is known as the “cocoon” strategy and reduces transmission to the baby.
Symptoms to watch for
Symptoms of whooping cough.
Onset 5–10 days after exposure. The characteristic “whoop” cough comes after about 2 weeks of mild symptoms.
Runny nose & cough
Mild for 1–2 weeks.
Low-grade fever
Often missed early on.
Coughing fits
Build to characteristic "whoop".
Exhaustion
From persistent coughing.
Apnoea (babies)
Stopped breathing — emergency.
Pneumonia
Secondary infection.
Seizures (rare)
In severe infant cases.
Eligibility checklist
You should book whooping cough vaccine if…
You are pregnant (private if NHS schedule isn’t convenient).
You are a partner of someone who is pregnant.
You are a grandparent-to-be or close family member.
You are a childminder or carer for newborns.
It has been over 5 years since your last pertussis booster.
Severe allergy to BOOSTRIX-IPV components or a previous dose excludes. Pregnancy: NHS offers this free — private is for non-NHS routes or those who prefer same-day access.
NHS offers this free between 16 and 32 weeks. Choose private if you want same-day appointment, weekend slots, or appointment outside the NHS window. Otherwise NHS is free and equally effective.