Private Vaccination · Oxford
✓ NHS-aligned · Same-day private appointment

Whooping Cough Vaccine

in Oxford.
Single-dose pertussis booster for pregnant women, partners of pregnant women, and grandparents-to-be. Whooping cough is severe in babies under 6 months who are too young for routine immunisation – maternal vaccination passes protective antibodies across the placenta.
Book Whooping Cough Vaccination
Price per dose

£105

Single-dose booster · £105 total
PERTUSSIS BOOSTER · 5-YEAR COVER
DoseScheduleCover
Pregnancy16–32 weeks idealBabies protected at birth
Adults nearbyAnytimeCocoon strategy
Duration~5 yearsRe-dose for next pregnancy
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NHS offers free pertussis vaccination to pregnant women between 16 and 32 weeks. Private is for partners, grandparents and anyone in close contact who wants to protect a newborn.
Single dose, BOOSTRIX-IPV combines pertussis with tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
Clinical brief · Bordetella pertussis

What every new parent should know.

Three things to understand about whooping cough and newborns.
Woman in winter clothing using a tissue outdoors
Whooping cough vaccine - recommended in pregnancy

Why is whooping cough so dangerous to babies?

Babies under 6 months can’t complete the routine immunisation schedule yet, but they’re the most vulnerable group. Whooping cough in newborns causes apnoea (stopped breathing) episodes, pneumonia, seizures, and a small but real risk of death. Most infant cases come from infection by adults whose own immunity has waned.

How does maternal vaccination protect a baby?

When a pregnant woman receives BOOSTRIX-IPV between 16 and 32 weeks, her body produces antibodies that cross the placenta. The newborn is then protected against pertussis from birth until they can complete their own routine schedule at 8, 12 and 16 weeks.

What about partners and grandparents?

Anyone in regular close contact with a newborn – partners, grandparents, siblings, childminders – should consider a booster if their last dose was over 5 years ago. This is known as the “cocoon” strategy and reduces transmission to the baby.
Symptoms to watch for

Symptoms of whooping cough.

Onset 5–10 days after exposure. The characteristic “whoop” cough comes after about 2 weeks of mild symptoms.

Runny nose & cough

Mild for 1–2 weeks.

Low-grade fever

Often missed early on.

Coughing fits

Build to characteristic "whoop".

Exhaustion

From persistent coughing.

Apnoea (babies)

Stopped breathing - emergency.

Pneumonia

Secondary infection.

Seizures (rare)

In severe infant cases.

Eligibility checklist

You should book whooping cough vaccine if…

  • You are pregnant (private if NHS schedule isn’t convenient).
  • You are a partner of someone who is pregnant.
  • You are a grandparent-to-be or close family member.
  • You are a childminder or carer for newborns.
  • It has been over 5 years since your last pertussis booster.
Severe allergy to BOOSTRIX-IPV components or a previous dose excludes. Pregnancy: NHS offers this free – private is for non-NHS routes or those who prefer same-day access.
VACCINATED MEDIPILL OXFORD
Whooping Cough FAQ

Common questions, answered.

NHS offers this free between 16 and 32 weeks. Choose private if you want same-day appointment, weekend slots, or appointment outside the NHS window. Otherwise NHS is free and equally effective.
Yes – a single dose of BOOSTRIX-IPV gives a booster response. The vaccine combines pertussis with tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
One dose of the vaccine, pharmacist consultation, and risk briefing on cocoon strategy.

The whooping cough (pertussis) booster is £105 at MediPill. Book online and choose the branch that suits you – appointments are usually available within the week.

You can book the whooping cough vaccine at MediPill in Oxford – choose your preferred branch when you book online. If you are pregnant, you may be able to have the vaccine free on the NHS through your GP or midwife; our private service is popular with parents, grandparents and carers who want protection before meeting a newborn.

Yes – the NHS recommends it in every pregnancy and offers it free. You usually have it around your 20-week scan, but you can have it from 16 weeks, and ideally before 32 weeks so your baby gets the most protection. Your GP gives it, and some antenatal clinics do too – ask your midwife. Our private booster is for partners, grandparents and anyone else who will be around the baby.
All four Oxford branches stock BOOSTRIX-IPV – same-day vaccination is usually possible.
Severe allergy to a previous BOOSTRIX-IPV dose or to its components.
Arm soreness, mild fever and fatigue for 24–48 hours. Serious reactions are very rare.
Four Oxford branches · book any

Find your nearest branch.

MediPill Botley

📍 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
🕒 Mon–Fri 8:30–5:30 · Sat 9–2
📞 01865 247 023
Book at this branch

Headington Pharmacy

📍 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
🕒 Mon–Fri 8:30–6 · Closed weekends
📞 01865 765 559
Book at this branch

MediPill Summertown

📍 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–6 · Sat 9–12
📞 01865 558 348
Book at this branch

MediPill Deddington

📍 The Studio, Hudson St, OX15 0SW
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–5:30 · Sat 9–12
📞 01869 337 583
Book at this branch

Ready for whooping cough booster?

Book online for a same-day slot at any of our four Oxford branches.
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