Whooping Cough Vaccination in Singapore
| Vaccine Name | Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) |
| Type | Routine vaccination |
| Schedule | 1 jab, with a recommended booster every 10 years |
| Price | $58.86 NETT per dose |
| Appointment Options |
Same-day appointment (subject to availability). Book via WhatsApp: 8893 3757 or email: hello@healthscreening.sg |
| Clinic Locations |
Orchard: 1 Orchard
Blvd #05-09 Camden Medical Centre, S248649 Tanjong Pagar: 72 Anson Rd #01-02 Anson House, S079911 |
What Is the Whooping Cough Vaccine?
The whooping cough vaccine is an immunisation designed to protect against whooping cough (pertussis), a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause intense coughing fits, breathing issues, and potentially life-threatening complications. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to these risks. Alarmingly, Singapore recorded a fivefold surge in cases between 2023 and 2024, highlighting the urgent need for vaccination to protect yourself and those vulnerable in the community.
What Is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, also known as the "100-day cough," is an infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which affects the respiratory tract. In the early stages, it can mimic a common cold with symptoms such as:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Mild fever
- Occasional coughing
As the disease progresses, the symptoms intensify into severe and prolonged coughing spells. These fits may be accompanied by a characteristic "whooping" sound as the person inhales deeply after coughing. In severe cases, whooping cough can lead to vomiting, exhaustion, and secondary infections like pneumonia. For infants and other at-risk individuals, this disease poses significant health dangers and can become life-threatening if untreated.
How Does Whooping Cough Vaccine Work?
The whooping cough vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce protective antibodies against the toxins released by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. These antibodies help the body fight off the bacteria, reducing the severity of the illness and lowering the risk of spreading it to others. In Singapore, the vaccine is administered as part of combination immunisations: DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) for younger children and Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) for older children, adolescents, and adults. These vaccines also provide protection against tetanus and diphtheria, both of which can cause serious health complications.
Who Is the Whooping Cough Vaccine Recommended for?
Immunisation against diphtheria is legally mandated in Singapore. Under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), children receive the DTaP vaccine in a series of doses starting at 2 months, with a Tdap booster at 10-11 years old. Adults should get the Tdap vaccine if they have certain medical conditions, have never been vaccinated, or if it has been over 10 years since their last dose. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations helps protect individuals and vulnerable groups, such as infants, from severe complications.
How Is the Whooping Cough Vaccine Administered?
The Tdap vaccine is delivered as an intramuscular injection, typically into the upper arm.
Whooping Cough Vaccine Dose & Schedule
The Tdap vaccine is recommended to be administered according to the following schedule:
| Vaccination | Vaccine Dosage & Schedule |
|---|---|
| Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Vaccine | 1 dose: With a booster every 10 years |
If you are uncertain about your vaccination history, consult your doctor for personalised advice and to determine whether a booster is needed.
How Long Does the Whooping Cough Vaccine Last?
The protection offered by the Tdap vaccine typically lasts about 10 years. To ensure continued immunity against whooping cough, as well as tetanus and diphtheria, it is important to receive booster doses every decade.
Whooping Cough Vaccine Side Effects
Some people may experience minor side effects such as dizziness, pain or redness at the injection site, and headaches. These reactions are usually mild and temporary, but you should seek medical advice if they persist or worsen.
Uncommon but Severe Reactions to Look Out for After Your Vaccination
In rare cases, vaccinations may trigger severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face or eyes,
breathing difficulties, or widespread itchy rashes. Should any of these symptoms occur, immediate
medical attention is required.
Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of potential side effects. The
information provided should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor if you
have any concerns before receiving a vaccination..
Whooping Cough Vaccine Price in Singapore
| Vaccination | Price* |
|---|---|
| Whooping Cough Vaccine (Tdap) | $58.86/dose |
| [Optional] Influenza Vaccine | $38.15/dose |
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Subsidies for the whooping cough vaccine are available for pregnant women holding Non-CHAS, CHAS Green, Merdeka Generation (MG), or Pioneer Generation (PG) cards.
For other travel or routine
immunisations, as well as home-based, group, or corporate vaccinations,
please contact us for further details.
How Do I Book a Whooping Cough Vaccination Appointment in Singapore?
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Same Day Appointment
Get your vaccinations done quickly at our travel clinics.
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Certificates of immunisation will be provided.
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Customer service is a top priority for us at ATA Medical.
Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this will allow you to keep a record of the vaccinations.
The Importance of Vaccinations
Vaccinations play a vital role in strengthening the immune system, enabling it to more effectively combat specific
infectious diseases. By reducing the likelihood of contracting serious illnesses, vaccinations help decrease the
need for frequent doctor visits and significantly lower the risk of hospitalisation.
Keeping up with recommended vaccinations allows individuals to lead a healthier lifestyle, confidently engaging in
social activities with the assurance that they are protected against contagious diseases.
At healthscreening.sg, we offer a comprehensive range of
vaccination options tailored to your health needs, from travel-related to seasonal protection, ensuring your
health is thoroughly safeguarded. Your vaccination will be updated in the National
Immunisation Registry (NIR) where applicable, allowing you to maintain a record of your immunisations.
Travel Clinics in Singapore
Our vaccination clinics are conveniently located in Central Singapore. Same day appointments for vaccinations are available.
- Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic (Closest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15)
- Orchard Clinic (Closest MRT: Orchard Boulevard TE13)
Navigate Easy With Google Maps
Health Screening Singapore
(Anson House)
Health Screening Singapore
(Camden Medical Centre)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, the whooping cough vaccine remains a vital part of Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS). Starting at 2 months of age, children receive the DTaP vaccine in a series of doses to ensure early protection. For older children, adolescents, and adults, the Tdap booster is recommended every 10 years to maintain immunity. At healthscreening.sg, the Tdap vaccine is available for $58.15 NETT (inclusive of GST) to protect against whooping cough.
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Family members, caregivers, and anyone in close contact with a newborn should receive the Tdap vaccine if they haven’t had it in the past 10 years. This helps to protect infants, who are too young to be fully vaccinated, from whooping cough and its potentially severe complications.
The DTaP vaccine is mandatory for children under Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Schedule, ensuring early protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. While the Tdap booster for older children and adults is not legally required, it is strongly advised every 10 years to maintain immunity and safeguard public health.
The DTaP vaccine is given to children at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months, with an additional booster at 4-6 years. A Tdap booster is recommended at 10-11 years of age, during pregnancy, and every 10 years for adults to ensure continued protection against whooping cough.
Yes. Booster doses of the Tdap vaccine are recommended every 10 years to maintain immunity against whooping cough, as well as tetanus and diphtheria. Regular boosters are essential to keep yourself and others protected.
Newborns can survive whooping cough, but the disease poses a high risk of severe complications, including pneumonia or even death. Protecting them begins with vaccinating those around them, creating a shield of immunity that significantly reduces their risk of infection.
Individuals who have experienced severe allergic reactions to a previous dose of the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) vaccine or any of its components should avoid receiving it. Additionally, those with moderate to severe illnesses at the time of vaccination should consult a doctor to determine if they can safely receive the vaccine. It is always advisable to discuss your medical history with your doctor before getting vaccinated.
Under Singapore’s Infectious Diseases Act, the DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) and Measles vaccines are legally required for children to protect against these serious illnesses.
Thanks to widespread vaccination, whooping cough is not highly prevalent in Singapore. However, cases have been rising, with a fivefold increase recorded between 2023 and 2024. This trend highlights the importance of vaccination in protecting individuals and vulnerable groups within the community.
Skipping the Tdap vaccine puts you at greater risk of contracting and spreading diseases like whooping cough and diphtheria, both of which are highly contagious and potentially life-threatening. Vaccination is strongly recommended to protect yourself and vulnerable individuals, including newborns.
It’s advisable to be up-to-date with the Tdap vaccine before visiting a newborn, as infants are highly vulnerable to whooping cough. If you are unvaccinated, maintain strict hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing, and avoid close contact to minimise the risk of infection.
While breastfeeding offers general immune support to infants, it does not provide specific protection against whooping cough. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the disease.
Whooping cough in infants often begins with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, mild fever, and occasional coughing. These can progress to severe coughing fits and breathing difficulties. Unlike older children, babies may not produce the characteristic “whooping” sound but may experience pauses in breathing (apnea) or silent distress. Regardless of the symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention if your baby appears unwell to ensure proper care and diagnosis.
Yes, the Tdap vaccine is essential for protection against whooping cough, a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease. It safeguards individuals and the broader community by reducing the risk of infection and severe complications.