Whooping cough (pertussis) often starts like a common cold, with a runny nose, sore throat and mild fever. As it progresses it can cause severe, repeated coughing bouts that may end with a “whoop” sound when breathing in, and can lead to vomiting, tiredness and breathing difficulties, especially in children.

Yes, whooping cough is highly contagious and spreads easily through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can be contagious for several weeks if untreated, which is why vaccination and early treatment are important to reduce the risk of passing it on.

Infants under six months are at greatest risk because their immune systems are still developing, and they are more likely to experience serious complications. Pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are also more vulnerable and are strongly advised to consider vaccination.

On the NHS, whooping cough vaccination is offered as part of the routine childhood schedule and during pregnancy. Babies are protected by the 6-in-1 vaccine at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, and a 4-in-1 pre-school booster, while pregnant women are routinely offered a dose from around 16 weeks of pregnancy to help protect their baby in the first weeks of life.

Yes, vaccination in pregnancy is strongly recommended. Having the whooping cough vaccine from around 16 weeks of pregnancy, ideally before 32 weeks, helps you pass protective antibodies to your baby so they are better protected in the first weeks of life before they can be vaccinated themselves.

The whooping cough vaccine is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling or soreness where the injection was given and sometimes a mild fever or tiredness. Serious side effects are very rare, and your vaccinating pharmacist is trained to deal with them if they occur.