Whooping Cough Vaccine

At Kamsons Pharmacy, we offer the whooping cough vaccine as part of our fast and simple vaccination service, ensuring you and those around you stay protected.

Fill out our online consultation form today to take the first step toward safeguarding yourself, your family, and your community from this dangerous illness.

What is Whooping Cough?

In older children and adults, the symptoms are generally less severe but can still lead to discomfort or complications such as:

• Sore ribs due to intense coughing
• Hernia caused by persistent coughing
• Middle ear infections

For those who are pregnant or in close contact with babies, such as parents, carers, or grandparents, it’s essential to get vaccinated to help prevent the spread of whooping cough to vulnerable infants.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough

Whooping cough symptoms begin similarly to a cold, with a sore throat or a runny nose. However, after a few days, the infection progresses into more severe coughing bouts that can last for several weeks or even months. Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Severe coughing spells that can last for several minutes, often worsening at night
• The “whoop” sound – a sharp gasp for air between coughs (young babies and some adults may not make the whooping sound)
• Breathing difficulties after coughing spells, which may cause the person to turn blue or grey (particularly in infants)
• Thick mucus that may be brought up, sometimes causing vomiting
• Redness in the face, particularly in adults after coughing fits

While the symptoms can be alarming, the cough itself can linger for weeks, and in some cases, months. That’s why early protection through vaccination is so important.

The Whooping Cough Vaccine

The whooping cough vaccine is typically administered as part of the routine vaccination schedule for infants, starting at 8 weeks and continuing until the age of 3 years. It is also offered to pregnant women on the NHS to help protect newborns from this highly contagious disease.

How to Get the Whooping Cough Vaccine at Kamsons Pharmacy

At Kamsons Pharmacy, we strive to make the vaccination process as simple and convenient as possible. The cost of the whooping cough vaccine is £90. To get started:

1. Complete the Online Consultation Form: Fill out our short and easy questionnaire to provide the necessary information.
2. Review by Our Prescriber: Once your form is submitted, one of our independent prescribers will review your details to ensure the vaccine is appropriate for you.
3. Arrange Your Appointment: After two working days, phone your chosen branch to arrange a suitable appointment to administer the vaccine.
4. Vaccination: You’ll receive the vaccine at your chosen Kamsons Pharmacy location, ensuring you’re well-protected against whooping cough.

FAQs

Why is the Whooping Cough Vaccine Important During Pregnancy?

Vaccinating during pregnancy helps to protect the newborn from whooping cough, as babies are too young to receive the vaccine themselves. It also helps reduce the risk of passing the infection to your baby, who would be more vulnerable to serious complications.

How long whooping cough is contagious?

The infected person is contagious for up to 3 weeks after coughing begins. You should stay of school or work for 2-3 weeks depending on if you have had antibiotics or not.

Where is the whooping cough vaccine available?

This vaccine is available at selected Kamsons Pharmacy branches.