Whooping cough vaccine.
Whooping cough can be serious for young babies, who aren’t fully protected until they complete their own vaccinations from 8 weeks old. Vaccination during pregnancy passes protection to your baby before birth, and it’s also available for close family members wanting to reduce the risk of passing it on to a newborn. GPhC-registered pharmacist, no GP referral needed.
Why protection matters most for newborns.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, causes long bouts of coughing and choking that can make breathing difficult. It’s highly infectious and particularly dangerous for babies under a year old, who can develop pneumonia or, in severe cases, permanent complications. Because babies can’t start their own vaccinations until 8 weeks of age, protecting them before then relies on the immunity of those around them.
There’s no standalone whooping cough vaccine, it’s always given combined with protection against tetanus and diphtheria, sometimes also polio. If you’re interested in this combination for general booster reasons rather than pregnancy or newborn protection specifically, our diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster page covers that in more detail.
Is the whooping cough vaccine right for you?
This is available free on the NHS between 16 and 32 weeks, our private service is simply for those who’d prefer a same-day or more convenient appointment.
Reducing your own risk of catching whooping cough also reduces the chance of passing it to a newborn you’ll be spending time with.
Regular close contact with young babies makes confirming your protection worthwhile.
If it’s been many years since your last tetanus, diphtheria or whooping cough vaccine, this combination can top up all three at once.
Full price list available on this page ↓. Prices subject to change, please confirm at the clinic.
How your whooping cough vaccination works.
Quick health check
Your pharmacist confirms the vaccine is suitable for you and discusses your reason for wanting protection, whether pregnancy, family contact, or a general booster.
Single injection
One dose, given into the upper arm, covering whooping cough alongside tetanus and diphtheria.
For pregnancy, timing matters
Ideally given around 20 weeks and before 32 weeks, to allow your antibodies time to pass to your baby before birth.
A fresh dose each pregnancy
If you’re pregnant again, you’ll need this vaccine again, even if you had it in a previous pregnancy, since protection doesn’t carry over in the same way.
Book your whooping cough vaccine.
Same-day appointments often available.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Sat & Sun 9am–5pm (private services only)
Call us
113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG · GPhC Registered
Book — Whooping Cough Vaccination
Veritas Pharmacy · 113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG
Whooping cough vaccine price.
A single injection covers whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria together. Prices are subject to change, please confirm at the clinic before booking.
| Vaccine | Course | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Whooping Cough – combined with tetanus & diphtheria | 1 dose | £75.00 |
Whooping cough vaccine FAQs.
Isn’t this free on the NHS during pregnancy?
When should I have it during pregnancy?
Do I need it again if I’ve had it in a previous pregnancy?
Is this a standalone whooping cough vaccine?
Can grandparents or partners have this to protect a newborn?
Are there any side effects?
Related services.
Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Booster
If you need this combination for general booster reasons rather than pregnancy, this page covers it in more detail.
Learn more →MMR Vaccine
Worth checking if you’re planning a pregnancy and unsure of your rubella immunity.
Learn more →Private Pharmacist
For wider health questions or advice beyond a specific vaccine, our prescribing pharmacist can see you same day.
Learn more →