Prevention of Whooping cough

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It is very important that babies get immunised against whooping cough.

The whooping cough vaccine is given as part of the DtaP/IPV/Hib jab that babies have at 2 months, 3 months and 4 months old. This jab protects against diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio and Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b).

A booster vaccine is given before the child starts school (between 3 years 4 months, and 5 years). This is called dTaP/IPV or DtaP/IPV.

This is an inactive version of the infection and the body produces antibodies to fight it so that you are then immune to it. Immunity wears off after a while, so children have a booster jab before they start school.

The reason that babies are given these jabs when they are so young is because young babies are most seriously affected by diseases such as whooping cough. The jabs are very safe and it is unlikely your baby will have any side effects. If they do have side effects they may include irritability, a fever and slight swelling where the needle went in.

Speak to your GP for advice if your child immunised has a problem with their immune system. Babies with mild coughs or colds can still have the jab.