Whooping cough vaccination.
Protect the babies in your life.

How it works.

  1. Walk in or book ahead - no referral needed

  2. Brief health check with your pharmacist immuniser

  3. Vaccinated on the spot, then a 15-minute observation

Who is it recommended for?

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious infection that is most dangerous for babies too young to be fully vaccinated. For adults, it is given as a combined vaccine that also covers diphtheria and tetanus (dTpa).

Things to note

  • Parents, grandparents and carers of babies under 6 months should be vaccinated, ideally at least 2 weeks before contact.
  • Adults aged 50 and 65 years should have a booster if they have not had one in the last 10 years.
  • Healthcare and early childhood workers should be vaccinated every 10 years.

Free under the NIP for

  • Pregnant women, in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks

A valid Medicare card is needed for free NIP vaccines. Not sure if you qualify? Come in for a quick chat - your pharmacist will check your eligibility on the spot and confirm any costs before proceeding.

Book in minutes.

Choose a whooping cough vaccination

Select a whooping cough (dTpa) vaccination in our online booking system. Free in pregnancy under the NIP - your pharmacist will confirm on the day.

Pick a location and time

Choose Malvern Road or Wattletree Road and pick a time that works for you.

Come in

Arrive at your chosen store. Walk-ins are also welcome - just let our team know at the counter.

Available locations.

Walk in or book a whooping cough vaccination at Malvern Road or Wattletree Road.

Meet our vaccinating pharmacists.

Every vaccination is given by a trained pharmacist immuniser who will answer your questions before and after your appointment.

Jenny Heathershaw

Jenny Heathershaw

Proprietor and Pharmacist

Gavin Ho

Gavin Ho

Pharmacist immuniser

Ali Abouelhamd

Ali Abouelhamd

Pharmacist immuniser

Jessy Zhang

Jessy Zhang

Pharmacist immuniser

Thomas Yong

Thomas Yong

Pharmacist immuniser

Tami Rose

Tami Rose

Pharmacist immuniser

Orna Tuckman

Orna Tuckman

Pharmacist immuniser

Questions people actually ask

Do I need a referral?
No. You can walk in or book directly online. Our pharmacist immunisers can give whooping cough vaccines without a referral.
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the airways caused by Bordetella pertussis. It spreads through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. It often starts like a cold, then causes long bouts of coughing that can last for weeks. Babies under 6 months are at greatest risk of serious complications.1
Who is eligible for a free whooping cough vaccine?

Free whooping cough vaccines are available through the National Immunisation Program for:2

  • Pregnant women, in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.

Other adults can choose to be vaccinated privately. Costs are confirmed before your appointment.

Why is it recommended in pregnancy?
Vaccination during pregnancy passes protective antibodies to your baby before birth, helping protect them in the first months of life before they can be fully vaccinated themselves. It is recommended in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.1
I'm about to become a grandparent. Should I get a booster?
If you have not had a whooping cough vaccine in the last 10 years, yes. Adults who will be in close contact with a baby under 6 months are recommended to be vaccinated at least 2 weeks beforehand, so they have time to build protection.1
Does the vaccine also cover diphtheria and tetanus?
Yes. For adults, whooping cough vaccine is given as a combined vaccine (dTpa) that also covers diphtheria and tetanus, so one injection keeps you up to date with all three.
Can I still catch whooping cough after vaccination?
Protection fades over time, so vaccinated people can still catch whooping cough, although illness is usually milder. This is why boosters are recommended at certain ages and life stages.1
Are there side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and pass within a few days. The most common are soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, tiredness, headache and mild fever.1 Your pharmacist will walk you through what to expect before your vaccination.
Can I walk in without booking?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome at Malvern Road and Wattletree Road, subject to pharmacist availability. If you would like to guarantee a time, you can book ahead online in a couple of minutes.
How long does the appointment take?
Most appointments take under 30 minutes. This includes a brief health check with your pharmacist, the vaccination itself, and a required 15-minute observation period in store afterwards. We recommend arriving 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

1 Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). Pertussis (whooping cough). Australian Immunisation Handbook. immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au

2 Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. National Immunisation Program schedule. health.gov.au

NIP eligibility is subject to current ATAGI and Department of Health and Aged Care recommendations, which are updated periodically. Speak with your pharmacist to confirm current eligibility and recommended dosing schedule for your circumstances. Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment. A 15-minute observation period is required after vaccination.

Protect the babies in your life.

Walk in or book online at Malvern Road or Wattletree Road.