Whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy: what you need to know

Vaccinations ·Published 10 October 2026 ·Reviewed 10 October 2026

Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist.

General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor.

The whooping cough vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. Having it passes protective antibodies to your baby before birth. This gives your baby some protection in the first weeks of life, before they’re old enough for their own vaccines.

Below, we answer the questions we hear most often from mums-to-be at our counter. For general information on the vaccines we offer, visit our vaccinations at Pacific Fair page.

Why is the whooping cough vaccine recommended in pregnancy?

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious infection of the airways. It can lead to pneumonia, brain damage and sometimes death, and it’s especially serious for babies. Whooping cough is most dangerous for babies under 6 months old. Most hospital stays and deaths happen in babies who aren’t yet old enough to have had all their vaccine doses.

Your baby can have their first whooping cough vaccine at 8 weeks (2 months) of age. Being vaccinated during pregnancy helps cover that early gap. The Australian Government Department of Health reports that vaccinating pregnant women before delivery has been shown to reduce whooping cough in infants by 80–91%.

How does the vaccine protect my baby?

After you’re vaccinated, your body makes antibodies against whooping cough. These antibodies cross the placenta to your developing baby, so your baby is born with some protection already on board.

When should I get it?

The recommended window is between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. It can still be given later, up to the time of delivery, but getting it within the recommended window is best for your baby’s protection.

A practical tip: many women line it up with their mid-pregnancy scan or antenatal check-ups so it doesn’t slip through the cracks. On the Gold Coast, the weeks can disappear quickly between work, school runs and summer holidays, so pop a reminder in your phone once you reach 20 weeks.

I had it in my last pregnancy. Do I need it again?

Yes. You should be vaccinated during each pregnancy, even if your pregnancies are close together. Your antibody levels drop over time, so a fresh dose in each pregnancy gives each baby the best protection.

Is it free?

The whooping cough vaccine is free for pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). You generally need to hold, or be eligible for, a Medicare card to receive NIP vaccines.

Not every vaccination provider stocks every free NIP vaccine, and some providers charge a consultation or service fee even when the vaccine itself is free. Ask us about any fee when you visit or call ahead.

Can I get it at the pharmacy?

Yes. Our pharmacists offer walk-in vaccinations, with no appointment needed. It’s worth calling ahead to check the vaccine is in stock. You can also have it with your GP or midwife. If you’d rather see a doctor, Help Medical GPs are located inside our store.

Before your vaccine, the pharmacist will check you’re well on the day and ask about allergies and past reactions to vaccines. Tell them how many weeks pregnant you are.

Should my partner, parents or other carers be vaccinated too?

It’s a good idea. According to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, adult household contacts and carers of babies under 6 months old are recommended to have a whooping cough booster at least 2 weeks before they have close contact with the baby, if their last dose was more than 10 years ago.

This matters because babies often catch whooping cough from someone at home. The Handbook notes that parents are the source in more than half of cases, and older brothers and sisters are also a common source.

So if grandparents are flying up to the Gold Coast to meet the new baby, or a relative will be helping with day care, suggest they check when they last had a booster. The free NIP vaccine is for the pregnant woman, so partners and family may need to pay for theirs.

What about the flu vaccine in pregnancy?

Flu can be serious in pregnancy, and the flu vaccine is recommended at any stage of pregnancy. It’s free for pregnant women under the NIP. You can have it at the same time as your whooping cough vaccine, or at a separate visit.

There are other vaccines recommended during pregnancy too, including one for RSV. Ask your pharmacist, midwife or GP which ones suit you and when to have them.

Is the whooping cough vaccine safe in pregnancy?

The Australian Government describes vaccination as a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your baby from whooping cough. Like any vaccine, it can cause reactions where the needle went in, such as soreness, redness or swelling. Talk to your pharmacist, midwife or GP if you have questions about your own situation, or if you’ve had a reaction to a vaccine before.

What happens after the vaccine?

You’ll be asked to stay nearby for at least 15 minutes after your vaccine, so our team can help quickly if you have a reaction. Serious reactions are very rare. It’s a good excuse to sit down with a cold drink before you head back out into the Pacific Fair crowds.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

Talk to your pharmacist, midwife or GP if:

• you have had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine before
• you’re unwell with a fever on the day of your vaccine
• you have a reaction after your vaccine that worries you or doesn’t settle
• you, your baby or someone in your household has been in close contact with someone who has whooping cough
• you think you or your child might have whooping cough

Call 000 and ask for an ambulance if you or someone near you is having trouble breathing, or has signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). For any concerns about your pregnancy, contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit.

For more support through pregnancy and beyond, see our women’s health services.

This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.