Whooping Cough Vaccine at Ham Pharmacy Group in Richmond & Kingston
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious lung infection that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It causes long, exhausting coughing fits and can be especially dangerous for babies. At Ham Pharmacy Group, we provide the whooping cough vaccine at 2 of our pharmacies: Ham Parade and Ham Village. Our experienced pharmacists are here to give you trusted care, professional guidance, and protection for you and your family.
Why the Whooping Cough Vaccine Is Important
Whooping cough often begins with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose or sore throat. After about a week, it develops into severe coughing bouts that may last for months.
Babies under 12 months are most at risk of complications, including:
- Pneumonia
- Breathing difficulties
- Seizures
- Hospitalisation
Because the illness can progress quickly, pertussis prevention through vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and others.
Who Needs the Whooping Cough Vaccine?
The pertussis vaccine provides vital protection for different groups:
- Pregnant women – ideally between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. The vaccine helps pass on protection to your baby for the first weeks of life, before they are old enough for their own vaccinations.
- Babies and young children – offered as part of the NHS routine immunisation schedule and privately also.
- Adults in close contact with babies – sometimes recommended to reduce the risk of passing on the infection.
Even if you’ve had whooping cough before, you can catch it again, which makes regular whooping cough immunisation important.
What If You Develop Whooping Cough?
If whooping cough is diagnosed early, antibiotics may be prescribed in the first two weeks to help reduce the risk of spreading it. However, antibiotics usually do not ease symptoms once the coughing has started.
Supportive care may include:
- Rest and plenty of fluids
- Over-the-counter medicines to ease discomfort
- Monitoring for complications
For babies and vulnerable patients, hospital treatment may sometimes be required.
Why Choose Ham Pharmacy Group?
- Trusted Local Pharmacies – Whooping cough vaccination available at Ham Parade and Ham Village.
- Expert Pharmacists – Professional advice and safe vaccination in line with current guidelines.
- Personalised Care – Guidance tailored to your health, pregnancy, or family situation.
- Community Support – Serving Richmond, Kingston, Teddington, New Malden, Surbiton, Twickenham, Isleworth, Hampton, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Long Ditton, Tolworth, Sunbury-on-Thames, Walton-on-Thames, Esher, Hersham, and Worcester Park.
Book Your Appointment Today
Protect yourself and your family with the whooping cough vaccine. Book your appointment today at our Ham Parade or Ham Village pharmacies for expert care and peace of mind.
FAQs
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious bacterial infection that affects the lungs and breathing tubes.
Pregnant women, babies, young children, and adults in close contact with infants.
Yes. It is recommended between 16–32 weeks to pass protection on to your baby.
Yes. Immunisation is the best protection, even if you’ve had it before.
At Ham Parade and Ham Village Pharmacies in Richmond & Kingston.
