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A cough that lasts for weeks can be frustrating. But when it comes with repeated coughing fits, vomiting after coughing or difficulty catching your breath, it may be more than an ordinary respiratory infection.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a contagious bacterial infection that can affect people of all ages. Adults may experience symptoms that resemble a lingering cold, while young children—particularly babies who are too young to receive their first vaccine doses—can become seriously unwell.
Vaccination helps protect against whooping cough, but immunity decreases over time. That is why booster recommendations matter, especially for pregnant women, people who care for infants and certain occupational groups.
If you live in Aspley or Brisbane, understanding the symptoms, vaccine recommendations and when to seek medical advice can help you make informed decisions about your family's health.
What Is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It spreads between people through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The infection often begins with symptoms similar to a common cold. As it progresses, coughing can become more severe and occur in repeated, uncontrollable bursts.
The name comes from the high-pitched sound some people make when breathing in after a coughing fit. However, not everyone develops this characteristic sound. Adults and vaccinated people may have prolonged coughing without an obvious whoop.
Whooping cough is particularly concerning for babies under six months because they may not yet have received enough vaccine doses to develop strong protection. Older children and adults can also become infected and pass the infection to vulnerable people.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends vaccination across different life stages, with additional doses for specific groups. 
Whooping Cough Symptoms in Adults and Children
Symptoms generally develop around 7–10 days after exposure, although they can take up to 21 days to appear. The illness often progresses through stages, and the pattern can differ between individuals.
Stage 1: Early Symptoms — Similar to a Cold
During the first one to two weeks, symptoms may be mild and easy to mistake for a common cold.
Possible symptoms include:
•    A runny or blocked nose.
•    Sneezing.
•    A mild cough.
•    Tiredness.
•    A low-grade fever or no fever.
At this stage, the infection may not seem particularly serious. However, an infected person can spread whooping cough to others.
Stage 2: Repeated Coughing Fits
After the early stage, coughing often becomes more intense. People may experience repeated bouts of coughing that are difficult to stop.
Other symptoms can include:
•    A rapid breath or a high-pitched whoop after coughing.
•    Vomiting after a coughing fit.
•    Exhaustion following repeated coughing.
•    Difficulty sleeping because of coughing.
•    Chest discomfort caused by persistent coughing.
The cough may be worse at night. Some people experience severe coughing fits even when they otherwise feel relatively well.
Stage 3: Gradual Recovery
The coughing episodes usually become less frequent over time, but recovery can be slow. The cough may continue for several weeks and sometimes for months.
A lingering cough does not necessarily mean the infection is still contagious. However, anyone diagnosed with whooping cough should follow their clinician's advice about treatment, precautions and when it is safe to return to work or other activities.
How Can Symptoms Differ in Adults and Children?
Feature    Adults    Children
Early symptoms    Often resemble a cold    Often resemble a cold
Cough    May be persistent or occur in repeated fits    Can develop into intense coughing fits
Whooping sound    May be absent    May occur, but not in every child
Vomiting after coughing    Possible    Possible
Main concern    Prolonged illness and spreading infection to others    Severe illness, particularly in babies
Recovery    Cough can persist for weeks or months    Recovery can also take weeks or months
Babies may not develop the classic whooping cough sound. Instead, they may have pauses in breathing, difficulty feeding or episodes of turning blue.
Seek emergency medical assistance if a baby or child has difficulty breathing, pauses in breathing or turns blue. Call Triple Zero (000) for a medical emergency.
If you suspect whooping cough in yourself or your child, contact your GP. Let the practice know about the suspected infection before attending so staff can advise you on appropriate precautions. Healthdirect: Whooping cough.
How Long Does the Whooping Cough Vaccine Last?
One of the most common questions about pertussis vaccination is whether a booster is needed after a previous dose.
The important point is that protection against whooping cough decreases over time. Vaccination remains an important way to reduce the risk of illness, but it does not guarantee that you will never catch or transmit the infection.
There is no single exact duration of protection that applies to everyone. Vaccine response and the decline in immunity vary, and protection also depends on the number and timing of previous doses.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook notes that pertussis immunity wanes after vaccination. It recommends booster doses at particular ages and intervals for specific groups.
For example, adults aged 65 and over are recommended to receive a pertussis-containing vaccine if they have not had one in the previous 10 years. Healthcare workers, early childhood educators and carers, and people in close contact with infants are also recommended to receive boosters every 10 years.
Adults who want to reduce their likelihood of becoming ill with pertussis may discuss vaccination with their healthcare professional.
A previous whooping cough infection does not provide lifelong protection either. People who have had the infection should still follow the recommended vaccination schedule. Source: Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Who Needs a Whooping Cough Booster?
Booster recommendations depend on your age, occupation, vaccination history and contact with people who may be particularly vulnerable to infection.
1. Adults Aged 50 and 65
Pertussis-containing vaccines are recommended for adults at age 50 and age 65 as part of the Australian recommendations for adult vaccination.
At age 65 and over, a further dose is recommended if the person has not received a pertussis-containing vaccine within the previous 10 years.
Your GP can review your vaccination history and help determine which dose is appropriate.
2. Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers may come into contact with infants, older adults and people with medical conditions that increase their risk of complications.
A pertussis-containing booster is recommended every 10 years for healthcare workers because immunity decreases over time and infected workers may transmit the infection to vulnerable patients.
3. Early Childhood Educators and Carers
People who provide early childhood education or care for young children are recommended to receive a booster every 10 years.
This is particularly relevant to people who regularly work with infants and young children, who may be more vulnerable to severe illness.
4. Adults Who Live With or Care for Babies
Parents, grandparents and other carers may have close contact with babies who are not yet fully vaccinated.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that adult household contacts and carers of infants under six months receive a pertussis-containing vaccine at least two weeks before close contact if their previous dose was more than 10 years ago.
Adults who are unsure when they last received a dose should discuss their vaccination history with their GP.
5. Adults Who Want to Reduce Their Risk
Even if you do not belong to one of these groups, vaccination may be considered to reduce your likelihood of becoming ill with whooping cough.
Your GP can explain the potential benefits, timing, availability and cost based on your circumstances.
Whooping Cough Vaccination During Pregnancy: Why Weeks 20–32 Matter
Vaccination during pregnancy is an important part of protecting newborn babies against whooping cough.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends a pertussis-containing vaccine during every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation. This recommendation applies even if a woman was vaccinated during a previous pregnancy.
Why is another dose recommended?
During pregnancy, antibodies produced after vaccination can cross the placenta and provide the baby with protection after birth. This matters because newborns are too young to receive their first routine pertussis-containing vaccine dose until around six weeks of age.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook reports that vaccination during pregnancy reduces the risk of pertussis in young infants by about 90%.
What If You Miss the 20–32-Week Window?
If you have not received the vaccine during the recommended period, speak with your GP or maternity care provider as soon as possible. The vaccine can still be given later in pregnancy, including up to delivery.
However, if it is given within two weeks of birth, the baby may not receive adequate protection from the transferred antibodies.
The vaccine is funded for pregnant women through the National Immunisation Program. A consultation or administration fee may still apply, depending on the provider.
If you are pregnant, ask your GP or maternity care provider about the right time for vaccination during your current pregnancy.
Sources: Australian Immunisation Handbook and Queensland Health.
Should Grandparents and Other Carers Get a Booster?
Grandparents often spend valuable time caring for newborns, helping parents and visiting during the first months of a baby's life. Other close contacts may include partners, siblings and regular carers.
If you are planning to spend time with a baby under six months, check when you last received a pertussis-containing vaccine.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends a booster for adult household contacts and carers of infants under six months if their last dose was more than 10 years ago. The dose should ideally be given at least two weeks before close contact with the baby.
This is not a substitute for vaccination during pregnancy. Maternal vaccination provides direct antibody protection to the baby before birth, while vaccination of close contacts can help reduce the chance of the infection being introduced into the household.
Grandparents and carers can ask their GP to review their vaccination history and advise whether a booster is recommended.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have Whooping Cough?
A prolonged cough can have several causes, so it is important not to diagnose yourself based on symptoms alone.
Your GP may ask when the cough started, whether you have had contact with someone who has whooping cough and whether you experience coughing fits or vomiting after coughing. Depending on your symptoms and how long you have been unwell, a nose or throat swab or other testing may be recommended.
Antibiotics may be prescribed in some circumstances. They can help reduce the spread of infection, although they may not quickly resolve a cough once the illness is established.
If whooping cough is suspected or confirmed, your clinician will explain how long you should avoid work, school or close contact with others. Healthdirect advises that people with whooping cough are generally contagious for three weeks after the cough begins or until they have completed five days of antibiotics.
When Should You See a GP?
Arrange medical advice if you or your child has:
•    A persistent cough that is worsening or occurring in repeated fits.
•    Vomiting after coughing.
•    A cough that has lasted for several weeks.
•    A known close contact with someone diagnosed with whooping cough.
•    A persistent cough and regular contact with a newborn or vulnerable person.
Tell your GP practice about the suspected infection before arriving so the team can advise you on steps to reduce the risk of transmission.
If someone has severe difficulty breathing, pauses in breathing or turns blue, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whooping Cough
Can adults get whooping cough if they were vaccinated as children?
Yes. Protection from pertussis vaccination decreases over time, so vaccinated adults can still become infected. A booster may be recommended depending on age, occupation, contact with infants and vaccination history.
How long does the whooping cough cough last?
The cough can continue for several weeks and sometimes for months, even as other symptoms improve. If your cough is persistent, worsening or accompanied by concerning symptoms, seek medical advice.
Do I need a whooping cough booster every 10 years?
A booster every 10 years is recommended for certain groups, including healthcare workers, early childhood educators and carers, and people in close contact with infants. Adults aged 65 and over are recommended to receive a dose if their last pertussis-containing vaccine was more than 10 years ago. Other adults can discuss vaccination with their GP.
Should I get vaccinated during every pregnancy?
Yes. The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends one pertussis-containing vaccine during every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. This helps transfer antibodies to the baby before birth.
Should grandparents get a whooping cough booster before visiting a newborn?
If the grandparent will be a household contact or carer of a baby under six months and their last dose was more than 10 years ago, a booster is recommended. Ideally, it should be given at least two weeks before close contact. Ask your GP to check your vaccination history.
Can I get whooping cough more than once?
Yes. Infection does not provide lifelong immunity, and people who have previously had whooping cough should still follow the recommended vaccination schedule.
Is the whooping cough vaccine free in Queensland?
The vaccine is funded through the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women and certain other eligible groups. Eligibility and fees depend on the person's circumstances. A consultation fee may still apply, so check with your vaccination provider before booking.
Stay Up to Date With Your Family's Immunisations
Whooping cough can affect people of any age, and symptoms in adults may be mistaken for an ordinary cold or a lingering cough. Understanding the stages of illness and knowing when vaccination is recommended can help you make informed decisions for yourself and your family.
If you are pregnant, care for a newborn, work with young children or are unsure when you last received a booster, speak with your GP about your vaccination history.
At Aspley Family Medical Practice (AFMDP), the team can help you discuss your immunisation needs and confirm which vaccination services are available. Contact the practice to ask about appointment availability, eligibility and any consultation fees.
Aspley Family Medical Practice (AFMDP)
Shop 1, Aspley Arcade 2 Shopping Centre
1368 Gympie Road, Aspley QLD 4034
Phone: (07) 3263 9951
Website: www.afmdp.com.au