Whooping Cough Vaccination at Tahunanui Pharmacy
The whooping cough vaccine helps protect against pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause severe coughing and breathing difficulties.

At Tahunanui Pharmacy, our qualified pharmacist vaccinators can administer the pertussis vaccine following a consultation to confirm that vaccination is suitable for you.

Vaccination helps reduce the risk of pertussis infection and may help protect vulnerable people in the community, particularly young babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough (pertussis) is caused by bacteria that spread easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe or prolonged coughing fits

• A “whooping” sound when breathing in

• Vomiting after coughing

• Difficulty breathing

• Cold-like symptoms at the beginning of illness

Pertussis can be particularly serious for infants and young children.

Who Should Consider the Pertussis Vaccine?
Pertussis vaccination may be recommended for:

• Pregnant people, to help protect newborn babies

• Adults who have close contact with infants

• Parents, caregivers, and family members of young babies

• Healthcare workers or childcare workers

• Adults who have not had a pertussis booster in the last 10 years

Eligibility for funded vaccination is determined by Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora.
Our pharmacists can help confirm whether you may be eligible for a funded vaccination.

What Vaccine is Used?
The pertussis vaccine for adults is commonly given as a combination vaccine (such as Boostrix®), which also protects against tetanus and diphtheria.

This vaccine may be recommended as a booster vaccination for adults.