Whooping Cough Jab in Pregnancy
Free NHS pertussis vaccination during pregnancy — recommended between 16 and 32 weeks to protect your baby in their first vulnerable weeks of life. Walk in for a quick, professional appointment.
Why have the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy?
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can be very serious — even life-threatening — in newborn babies. Infants don't start their own pertussis vaccinations until they're 8 weeks old, leaving an early window where they're vulnerable.
Having the whooping cough vaccine during pregnancy passes protective antibodies to your baby through the placenta, giving them protection from the moment they're born until they can start their own vaccinations.
Protecting your baby in three steps
Whooping cough is dangerous for newborns — vaccination in pregnancy passes your protection on to your baby.
1. We advise
The ideal window is between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy — we'll check your timing and answer every question you have.
- Ideal window: 16–32 weeks
- Still worthwhile later
- All your questions answered
2. We vaccinate
A single jab administered by a trained vaccinator — your antibodies start building straight away and cross to your baby.
- Single dose
- Trained vaccinators
- Safe in pregnancy — NHS recommended
3. Baby arrives protected
Your baby is born with your antibodies on board — protected through their first vulnerable weeks until their own jabs begin.
- Protection from birth
- Covers the gap before baby's own jabs
- GP record updated
Hover or tap a card to see its key points
What's included & eligibility
The NHS whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy programme is open to all pregnant women in the UK.
Included / eligible
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy — though 16-32 weeks is the optimal window
- Women who have had previous whooping cough vaccinations (boosters are needed each pregnancy)
- Women carrying twins, triplets, or multiple pregnancies
- The vaccine is also offered earlier in pregnancy in some cases — your pharmacist will confirm
Not included / not eligible
- Non-pregnant adults (the NHS vaccine is specifically for pregnancy)
- Children — pertussis vaccination for infants is given as part of the routine NHS childhood vaccination schedule
- Women who have had a confirmed severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine
What to expect
The vaccination itself is straightforward — a single injection in the upper arm. Most pregnant women describe it as no different from a flu jab.
Arrive & check in
Walk in or call ahead. Our team will let the pharmacist know you're here.
Private consultation
You'll be seen in our consultation room — confidential, unhurried, and at your pace.
Clinical assessment
Your pharmacist will assess your needs and follow NHS-approved clinical pathways.
Outcome & aftercare
You'll receive a clear plan — and where appropriate, a record is shared with your GP.
Ask us about Pertussis Vaccinations
Have a question before you visit? Send us a message and a member of our team will respond within one working day.
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Pertussis Vaccinations FAQs
Is the whooping cough vaccine safe in pregnancy?
Why between 16 and 32 weeks?
Can I have it with my flu vaccine?
I missed the recommended window — is it too late?
Does my baby still need their pertussis vaccinations?
Related NHS services
Ready to access this service?
Walk in during opening hours, give us a call, or send a message — we'll make sure you get what you need.