Whooping Cough Vaccination (Boostrix)
New Zealand is now in a whooping cough epidemic
If you will be around babies, young children, or older persons this holiday season, ensure they are safe by staying up to date with your whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination. Boostrix vaccination is especially recommended for parents, caregivers, grandparents, extended family, and friends around vulnerable populations.
Whooping cough can be severe, especially for young babies and older adults. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you.
Your Unichem Vaccinating Pharmacist can administer this vaccination and answer any questions you might have. Don’t wait, protect your whānau today.
Book your appointment at a time and place that's convenient for you. Many of our pharmacies are open seven days a week, including some evenings.
What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is an infectious disease that causes coughing and difficulty breathing. It can be very serious in young babies. They can catch whooping cough from family/whānau so make sure you, your older children and extended family are up-to-date with vaccinations. For some people they may be eligible to receive a funded vaccine. Your Unichem and Life Pharmacists are able to vaccinate you against whooping cough.
The whooping cough vaccination is free for some people from some pharmacies. Vaccination is free for:
pregnant women aged 13 years and above from 16 weeks
some adults at 45 and 65 years of age as immunity reduces (same vaccine as the tetanus booster)
If you do not meet the above criteria then your Pharmacist is still able to vaccinate you against whooping cough if you are 18 years and older.
How infectious is whooping cough?
When do I need a booster?
Living Rewards members receive 10 Living Rewards points when they receive a Boostrix Vaccination.
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