Yes, whooping cough is highly contagious and spreads easily through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can be contagious for several weeks if untreated, which is why vaccination and early treatment are important to reduce the risk of passing it on.

Infants under six months are at greatest risk because their immune systems are still developing, and they are more likely to experience serious complications. Pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are also more vulnerable and are strongly advised to consider vaccination.

On the NHS, whooping cough vaccination is offered as part of the routine childhood schedule and during pregnancy. Babies are protected by the 6-in-1 vaccine at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, and a 4-in-1 pre-school booster, while pregnant women are routinely offered a dose from around 16 weeks of pregnancy to help protect their baby in the first weeks of life.

Yes, vaccination in pregnancy is strongly recommended. Having the whooping cough vaccine from around 16 weeks of pregnancy, ideally before 32 weeks, helps you pass protective antibodies to your baby so they are better protected in the first weeks of life before they can be vaccinated themselves.

The whooping cough vaccine is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling or soreness where the injection was given and sometimes a mild fever or tiredness. Serious side effects are very rare, and your vaccinating pharmacist is trained to deal with them if they occur.

You can access a private whooping cough (pertussis) booster at Thame Pharmacy, located in Thame Community Hospital. We provide a convenient service for residents in Thame, Haddenham, Long Crendon, and Aylesbury who may not be eligible for the vaccine via the NHS but wish to protect themselves and those around them.

Yes. While the NHS focuses on pregnant women and infants, adults aged 18 and over can choose to have a private booster. This is common for grandparents and partners who will be in close contact with a newborn. At Thame Pharmacy, we can provide boosters for individuals from 4 years of age and older.

Clinical guidance suggests that a booster is recommended for people who have not received a pertussis-containing vaccine in the last five years. If you are visiting a newborn or travelling, our pharmacists can review your vaccination history to see if a booster is appropriate for you.

Newborn babies are highly vulnerable until they complete their own vaccinations at 16 weeks. Many grandparents in Oxfordshire choose to get a private booster to create a “cocoon” of protection around the baby, significantly reducing the risk of passing the infection to the infant.

Yes. There is no evidence of risk to those who are breastfeeding from inactivated vaccines like the whooping cough jab. It can be administered to breastfeeding patients if the potential benefit of protecting against the disease outweighs any theoretical risk.

Booking is simple and fast through our online system or by calling us. We offer flexible appointments for patients across Haddenham, Chinnor, and Tetsworth, ensuring you can get protected as soon as possible.