People who have previously had pertussis infection are still recommended to receive pertussis-containing vaccine as scheduled
It is safe to give pertussis-containing vaccine to children, adolescents or adults who have had laboratory-confirmed pertussis infection. These people should receive all routinely scheduled pertussis-containing vaccines because natural immunity does not provide lifelong protection.
This is particularly important for infants <6 months of age who develop pertussis because they may not mount an adequate immune response after infection.
Page history
Last updated:
4 June 2018
Last reviewed:
4 June 2018
Printed content may be out of date. For up to date information, always refer to the digital version: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/recommendations/people-who-have-previously-had-pertussis-infection-are-still-recommended-to-receive.