Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is usually transmitted via the respiratory route and starts with non-specific catarrhal (‘common cold’) symptoms. Typically, an intermittent uncontrollable cough then develops, causing spasms. Coughing fits, may end with an inspiratory whoop and vomiting. Young infants do not always develop a ‘whoop’ following the coughing spasms, but may instead experience difficulty breathing or even stop breathing for a short time.
Symptoms are worse at night and the illness can last for two to three months. Infants under six months are at highest risk of severe complications and death from pertussis. Milder symptoms may be observed in older children and adults who have previously been vaccinated.
Whooping Cough Vaccine is not routinely given to adults in the UK. Over the last 3-5 years there have been outbreaks of Whooping Cough in Australia and the USA. Travellers have become concerned about the risk of contracting whooping cough themselves, or infecting young grandchildren they are visiting who may not yet be vaccinated. The Department of Health advise that in this circumstance travellers wishing to be immunised should arrange vaccination at their destination.
For those that wish to be vaccinated before their trip we can offer this as a combined Low dose Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio/Pertussis vaccination following a detailed risk assessment.
1 single low dose Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio/Pertussis 0.5ml intramuscular injection.
1 dose ( For those requiring Whooping Cough Booster)
£72
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