Whooping Cough Vaccine in Werribee
You can get the whooping cough vaccine in Werribee at Harpley Doctors, in Harpley Town Centre. Whooping cough (pertussis) is most dangerous for young babies, so vaccination in pregnancy and for the people around a newborn matters most. This page sets out who is recommended a dose, who gets it free and how to book. Our GPs can check your records and tell you whether you are due.
Who should have the whooping cough vaccine in Werribee
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends whooping cough vaccination for:
- children at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months and at 4 years
- adolescents at 11 to 13 years
- adults at ages 50 and 65, and adults over 65 who have not had a dose in the past 10 years
- every pregnancy, preferably between 20 and 32 weeks
- healthcare workers, early childhood educators and carers, every 10 years
- adults who will live with or care for a baby under six months, at least two weeks before contact, if their last dose was more than 10 years ago
Free whooping cough vaccines
Under the National Immunisation Program, the vaccine is free for children at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months and 4 years, for adolescents through the school program, and for pregnant women, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. Adult boosters outside these groups are not funded by the program.
Whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you can have your whooping cough vaccine as part of your regular visits. A dose in each pregnancy passes protection to your baby before birth, covering the weeks before their own vaccines start. Our GPs can plan the timing as part of your antenatal care, and our post on the whooping cough vaccine during pregnancy explains it in more detail.
Vaccines for babies and children
Childhood doses are part of routine care with our GPs. Several of our doctors list child health as a special interest; see Paediatric Health. If your baby has breathing trouble in winter, our post on RSV in infants covers when to see a GP.
What to expect and how to book
Your GP checks which vaccines are due and gives the injection. Afterwards you stay at the clinic for at least 15 minutes, as the Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends, and you should not drive during that time. All consultations and procedures at Harpley Doctors are bulk billed. To make an appointment, book online or call (03) 8731 1330; we are open seven days and welcome walk-ins. New patients can fill in the new patient form first. Our Immunisation page lists the other vaccines we give, including flu and COVID-19. See Patient Info and Fees for fees and practice policies.
Frequently asked questions
When should I get the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy?
The Handbook recommends one dose in each pregnancy, preferably between 20 and 32 weeks.
Do grandparents need a whooping cough booster?
Adults who will care for or live with a baby under six months are recommended a dose at least two weeks before contact if their last dose was more than 10 years ago. Your GP can check.
Is the vaccine free for adults?
It is free for pregnant women. Other adult boosters are not funded by the National Immunisation Program.
Other services
Book your whooping cough vaccine
Book online or call reception, and mention if you are pregnant or caring for a newborn.