I had whooping cough. Do I have immunity, or do I need to get the pertussis vaccine?

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious (easily spread) bacterial illness. People who have had whooping cough do have immunity for some time, but it does not provide life-long protection. Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is recommended to protect against whooping cough.

Adults are recommended to have one dose of Tdap vaccine if they have not received a pertussis-containing vaccine in adulthood. The Tdap vaccine is not free for most adults in BC. Vaccines are available to buy from most pharmacies, travel health clinics and some doctors’ offices. Read about what vaccines adults need here.