Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria and is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting people of all ages.
Our minds go to very sick babies and young children when someone mentions Whooping Cough. Do you know that adults are also at risk?
70% or 39,900 of the 57,000 reported cases of Whooping Cough in Australia in 2024 was persons over 10 years old. This is the highest annual number since records began in 1991 and highlights the importance of immunisation boosters today.
Why Adults Need Whooping Cough Vaccinations Too
We mistakenly believe that as we are adults, we do not need a whooping cough booster, but this is not correct. Our immunity and childhood vaccinations can wear off over time and when you are not up to date with your vaccinations you can catch and easily spread it to those who are more vulnerable.
Are Whooping Cough Boosters Essential?
Yes, our immunity wanes over time so a booster shot is essential. The Whooping Cough Vaccine aka Tdap vaccine has combined protection against Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis ensuring ongoing protection. We should be getting the Whooping Cough vaccination every 10 years.
Should I Get A Whooping Cough Vaccine?
You should get the vaccine if you are an adult aged 19 or older, or if you are in close contact with infants or you are going to be. Pregnant women are recommended to have the vaccine between 20-32 weeks gestation to ensure immunity for when your baby is born.
If you are not sure whether its time to get a booster our doctors at Golden City Medical Clinic are here to guide you, please schedule an appointment to have a chat.
Pros And Cons To Getting The Whooping Cough Vaccination.
When we are all immunised, we build up a community immunity that then helps to stop outbreaks which protects newborn babies and people with medical conditions that cannot have the vaccinations.
In healthy adults, the side effects could potentially be pain near the injection site and fever. Which is a lot better than contracting the infection, as this could lead to broken ribs from the severity of the cough and pneumonia to name a couple.
In rare cases there could be an allergic reaction to the vaccination.
You have long lasting protection and peace of mind when you have been vaccinated against whooping cough and reduce the risk of severe illness.
In summary, adults can catch whooping cough too, it isn’t just a problem for newborns and young children. The rise in cases among people over 10 years old shows why regular vaccinations are so important.
When we get the whooping cough booster shot, we protect ourselves and help create a community immunity, which is vital for protecting vulnerable groups like infants and people with certain health conditions.
The benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh the minor side effects, offering long lasting protection and peace of mind.
If you’re not sure about your vaccination status, check in with your doctor at your local GP clinic Bendigo and make sure you are covered.
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