Whooping cough vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
Whooping cough vaccination: The whooping cough vaccination protects against one of the most common infectious diseases of the respiratory tract - pertussis. Infection with whooping cough bacteria can lead to coughing fits and, in the worst case, respiratory arrest. The risk is particularly high for infants.
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
- Called 173 times.
An infection often begins with symptoms such as a cough and runny nose, which can develop into severe coughing fits and, depending on the course of the disease, can also lead to complications.
Whooping cough is transmitted by droplets, e.g. when coughing or sneezing. The pathogens are highly contagious, which is why immunization is so important.
Due to the high risk of infection and the not yet fully developed immune system, complications can quickly arise, especially in infants. These require extensive treatment and, in the worst case, can have fatal consequences.
The National Vaccination Committee generally recommends immunization for infants in particular, as well as for older people, as they are more likely to suffer from severe courses of the disease.
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a disease that highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract. The bacteria are transmitted by droplet infection, e.g. when sneezing, coughing and via the air we breathe.
In principle, infection is possible at any age - whether in children, adolescents or adults. However, whooping cough is particularly dangerous for babies. In the worst case, it can even life-threatening be.
Common symptoms
People with the disease often complain of symptoms that also indicate a Typical classic cold are:
Cough
Common cold
Fever
Vomiting
However, these often develop into severe coughing fits, which sometimes last for months. Complications can also occur, particularly in infants and older people, including pneumonia, middle ear infections, brain damage and seizures or even respiratory arrest. The course of the disease varies from one affected person to another.
Disease progression in 3 stages
The course of the disease can basically be divided into three stages:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Catarrhal stage | The infected person is already highly contagious and usually complains of cold-like symptoms such as cough, runny nose and fever. |
| Convulsive stage | After 1-2 weeks, the typical clinical picture appears: convulsive coughing fits, sometimes leading to vomiting. In newborns and infants, they can lead to respiratory arrest in the worst case. In addition, there may be a loss of sleep and appetite. |
| Stage decrementi | The coughing attacks gradually subside, but the chesty cough may persist for some time. |
The contagiousness of whooping cough begins with the onset of the first symptoms. The Incubation period is usually three to twelve days. Antibiotics are used for treatment. These alleviate the symptoms and can prevent further transmission of the pathogens.
Unfortunately, there is no lasting immunity after surviving a case of whooping cough. Therefore, the best protection is the vaccination, which is given in the free vaccination program is included in Austria.
Benefits of the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination for children
A vaccination against whooping cough provides a reliable protection against the disease, especially for infants and children. This reduces the risk of severe courses, hospital stays and complications. At the same time, vaccination helps to maintain the health of family members and the environment.
The Risk of infection with whooping cough is quite high and the infectious disease can drag on for several weeks or even months. Sometimes the course of the disease can be severe. The National vaccination committee a basic immunization already in infancy.
Subsequently, the vaccination protection must be Regular booster vaccinations to be maintained. Immunization is recommended for everyone, especially during pregnancy. In this way, expectant mothers can protect their newborns from the disease in the first few months of life.
Procedure for vaccination against whooping cough
The pertussis vaccination is Child vaccination is included in the free vaccination program for children in Austria. The basic immunization consists of three vaccinations within the first year of life and two booster vaccinations up to adolescence:
1st vaccination at the age of 3 months
2nd vaccination at the age of 5 months
3rd vaccination at the age of 11 to 12 months
The First booster vaccination should be given before starting school if possible, i.e. at the age of 6. The second booster takes place five years later, but at the latest at the age of 15 - as part of a 4-fold vaccination against whooping cough and diphtheria, Tetanus and polio.
6-fold vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis & Co.
For the basic immunization a Six-fold vaccine is used. In addition to the pertussis vaccine, this contains five other components that provide protection against diphtheria, tetanus (tetanus), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B and Hepatitis B offer.
Parents can opt for a Detailed advice at any time in our Ordination Glückskind report. We will be happy to discuss any questions you may have about the vaccination, the procedure and possible side effects.
Whooping cough vaccination for adults
After the two booster vaccinations in childhood and adolescence, the National Vaccination Committee recommends a Refresher every five years. This is usually carried out using 3- or 4-way combination vaccines.
Especially recommended is a Booster vaccination for the following groups:
Pregnant women between the 27th and 36th week of pregnancy
People around newborns
Staff in healthcare, childcare facilities or schools
People with certain chronic illnesses
Frequently asked questions and answers
When should I have my baby vaccinated against whooping cough?
In Austria, vaccination against whooping cough is started as early as infancy, usually from the 3rd month of life as part of the 6-dose vaccination. Further doses follow in the 6th and 12th to 13th month of life, according to the recommended vaccination schedule. Only in this way can immunization provide complete protection and protect babies from severe courses of the disease at an early age.
Why is whooping cough particularly dangerous for babies?
In infants, whooping cough can lead to severe breathing difficulties, respiratory arrest and complications such as pneumonia. Your Immune system is not yet fully developed, which makes them particularly susceptible to severe courses of the disease. Early vaccination provides effective protection against these risks.
How often do I need to be vaccinated against whooping cough?
The basic immunization takes place in three doses in infancy. Later, booster vaccinations are recommended in childhood and adolescence to maintain protection. Adults should also refresh their immunity if necessary.
Have you been vaccinated against whooping cough as an adult?
Many adults have received the basic immunization as children, but protection decreases over time. Therefore a Booster vaccination for adults, especially pregnant women or persons in close contact with infants.
How much does a whooping cough vaccination cost in Austria?
The whooping cough vaccination is mandatory in Austria as part of the public vaccination program for infants and children free of charge. For adults, it depends on the health insurance company, but the vaccination is often also covered.