Vaccination is not just for children. As we go about our busy lives, travelling, working, caring for loved ones, it is easy to forget that some vaccine protections fade with time. One of the most overlooked is the adult booster against whooping cough (pertussis), a highly contagious respiratory infection that has been resurging globally [1], including in parts of Asia and Singapore.

For most adults, pertussis may just mean weeks of persistent coughing. But for infants, older adults, and those with weakened immunity, exposure can be dangerous. It can even be life-threatening. Many adults may not even realise they are infectious, unknowingly putting loved ones at risk.

At Phoenix Medical Group, we believe prevention should continue well into adulthood. In this blog, we will explain why the Boostrix (Tdap) booster is increasingly important, who should consider it, and how a single jab can help protect not just yourself, but those around you.

A Comeback Disease?

It might sound like something from the past, but whooping cough is making a worrying return worldwide. Recent outbreaks in Japan [2], Australia [3], and parts of Europe [4] have highlighted how contagious and disruptive this respiratory infection can be, even in adults.

Closer to home, Singapore has seen a steady rise [5] in whooping cough notifications over the past decade. While many assume childhood vaccinations offer lifelong protection, immunity from the DTaP series wanes over time, leaving adults and those around them at risk.

For most adults, the infection may appear as a stubborn cough. But for infants, especially those under six months who have not completed their primary vaccinations, whooping cough can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, or even death. This is where Boostrix, the adult pertussis booster, plays a crucial role.

What Is Whooping Cough and Why Is It a Concern?

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets, coughing, sneezing, or close contact. It begins like a common cold, but within days, the cough becomes persistent, violent, and uncontrollable, often ending in a high-pitched “whoop” sound. However, this is less common in adults.

In adults, whooping coughs often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as a lingering cough or bronchitis. But even mild cases can be highly infectious for weeks, passing the bacteria on to newborns, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems.

Infants under six months old are especially vulnerable, as they are not yet fully protected by vaccines. Nearly half of all babies who contract whooping cough require hospital care. That is why public health efforts increasingly focus on immunising adults who live or work with young children.

The Role of Boostrix (Tdap Booster Vaccine)

Boostrix is a combination vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap). It is specifically designed for use in adolescents and adults, especially as a booster after childhood DTaP vaccinations.

While tetanus boosters are commonly given every 10 years, the pertussis component is often overlooked. Many adults in Singapore have not received a Tdap booster in over a decade or at all.

Boostrix is:

• Safe and well tolerated in adults
• Administered as a single injection
• Suitable for pregnant women, caregivers, and healthcare workers

It is also the only adult Tdap booster available in Singapore approved for use from age 10 onwards.

Who Should Consider Getting Boostrix?

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be especially dangerous [6] for infants and the elderly. While childhood vaccinations provide early protection, immunity tends to wane over time. That is where Boostrix comes in. It is designed for adolescents and adults who need renewed protection, not just for themselves, but for those around them.

Whether you are travelling, working in a high-risk environment, or caring for young children, Boostrix can help prevent the silent spread of pertussis in our communities.

Travellers to Countries With Outbreaks

If you are heading to Japan, Australia, or any region with a current pertussis outbreak, a booster is highly recommended. Crowded airports, public transport, and tourist attractions can quickly become hotspots for respiratory infections.

Even if you do not fall ill, you could bring a whooping cough home unknowingly, placing family members, especially infants or elderly relatives, at risk.

Healthcare and Childcare Workers

If your work brings you into regular contact with vulnerable populations, you are on the front line of potential transmission. This includes, but is not limited to, the following professions:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• reschool teachers
• Eldercare staff

Many healthcare institutions globally now recommend, or require, regular Tdap boosters for staff. Protecting your patients, co-workers, and yourself starts with staying up to date on your vaccines.

Grandparents and Caregivers of Young Children

Adults are the primary source of whooping cough transmission to infants, often without realising it. This is why the “cocooning strategy” is widely encouraged. By vaccinating parents, grandparents, nannies, and close contacts, we help form a protective ring around babies too young to be fully immunised.

In Singapore, multigenerational households are common. As such, a simple booster jab could make all the difference in keeping your home a safer space.Grandparents and Caregivers of Young Children.

Pregnant Women Between 16 - 32 Weeks Pregnancy

Pregnant women between 16–32 weeks of pregnancy, regardless of prior Tdap vaccination. This protects the baby from whooping cough in their first months of life. Singaporean citizens are partially subsidised under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS).

Pertussis Vaccination in Singapore: What You Need to Know

You can receive the Boostrix vaccine at Phoenix Medical Group clinics island-wide. The process is straightforward and quick:

• Eligibility – recommended for anyone who hasn’t had a Tdap booster in the past 10 years
• Pregnancy – safe in the third trimester to protect the baby through passive immunity
• Side Effects – mild and short-lived. May include sore arm, low-grade fever, fatigue
• Cost – reasonably priced, as subsidies may apply under certain health schemes

If you are unsure of your vaccination history, our doctors can help determine whether you are due for a booster.

Final Thoughts: A Simple Jab for Peace of Mind

Whooping cough is back, but so is prevention.

A quick, single-dose vaccine like Boostrix does not just protect you. It shields newborns, ageing parents, and those with weaker immune systems from a potentially life-threatening infection.

If it has been 10 years or more since your last tetanus jab, or if you have never received a pertussis booster as an adult, this vaccination is something to consider.

Take the first step today by booking your Boostrix vaccination with us. We offer same-day appointments, professional advice, and a care experience that is centred on your health, your comfort, and your peace of mind.

References

1. (N.d.). researchgate.net. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387457091_Pertussis_in_Southeast_Asia_country-level_burden_and_recommendations_from_the_Global_Pertussis_Initiative

2. Japan’s whooping cough cases hit a new weekly high of over 3,300. (2025). In The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japans-whooping-cough-cases-hit-new-weekly-high-at-over-3300

3. Quinn, H., Johnston, N., & Williams, P. (2025). Australia’s whooping cough surge is not over. In and, it doesn’t just affect babies. https://theconversation.com/australias-whooping-cough-surge-is-not-over-and-it-doesnt-just-affect-babies-257808

4. Khalil, A., Samara, A., Campbell, H., Ladhani, S. N., & Amirthalingam, G. (2024). Recent increase in infant pertussis cases in Europe and the critical importance of antenatal immunisations: We must do better…now. In International Journal of Infectious Diseases (Vol. 146, p. 107148). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107148

5. (N.d.). channelnewsasia.com. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/whooping-cough-pertussis-cases-rise-holiday-travel-lack-updated-vaccination-4813401

6. Lauria AM, Zabbo CP. Pertussis. [Updated 2022 Oct 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519008/

The PSLE and other year-end exams are a significant milestone for students and families in Singapore. As preparation ramps up, so do the stakes, and every parent wants their child to perform at their best. During these high-pressure months, ensuring your child’s health is just as important as revision and practice papers.

In recent years, more doctors have been recommending the seasonal flu vaccine [1] for school-going children, especially in the lead-up to major exams. This isn’t just about preventing illness — it’s about giving students the best shot at staying healthy, focused, and exam-ready.

At Phoenix Medical Group, we believe prevention is key, and in this blog, we’ll explain why getting the flu jab before exams could be a wise move for your family.

The Impact of the Flu on Exam-Season Performance

Flu season in Singapore tends to peak between September and November [2], which happens to coincide with major school exams like the PSLE, O-Levels, and end-of-year assessments. This unfortunate timing means students are at higher risk of falling ill during one of the most crucial periods in their academic year.

Children spend extended hours in close-contact environments, classrooms, tuition centres, canteens, and enrichment classes, creating ideal conditions for viruses to spread. Add to that the exam-related stress, irregular sleep, and general fatigue that many students experience, and their immune systems may be more vulnerable than usual.

If a student catches the flu, the effects can be more disruptive than many parents realise. Common flu symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, and extreme tiredness can severely affect a child’s ability to focus, retain information, or sit through lengthy papers. Even a mild case can leave them feeling drained and foggy-headed, which is hardly the ideal condition for performing well under exam pressure.

The Role of the Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the most common influenza strains predicted for the year. It helps reduce the risk of infection and, in cases where the flu is contracted, often lessens the severity and duration of symptoms.

It’s important to note that the vaccine doesn’t offer instant protection [3]. It typically takes about two weeks for the body to build sufficient immunity. This is why timing matters. As such, having your child vaccinated well ahead of their exams ensures they’re protected during the most critical weeks.

Why Doctors Recommend It, Especially for Exam-Age Children

While getting the flu jab may feel like an additional task in an already packed exam schedule, doctors strongly recommend it for good reason. During high-stress academic periods like the PSLE, even small disruptions can have a big impact. Vaccinating your child against the flu is a simple yet powerful way to reduce risk and protect their hard-earned preparation.

Here’s why the flu vaccine is especially beneficial for students sitting major exams:

• Fewer sick days – falling ill during revision or just before an exam can derail months of preparation and practice.
• More consistent focus and energy – staying healthy allows your child to maintain momentum, concentrate better, and enter exam day feeling their best.
• Protects the whole family – children who catch the flu can easily pass it on to elderly grandparents, younger siblings, or parents, some of whom may be more vulnerable to complications.
• Reduces school outbreaks – higher vaccination rates help limit transmission in schools, benefiting classmates, teachers, and the wider community.

Ultimately, the flu jab is a small investment that can help ensure your child stays well, confident, and focused. Hence, giving them the best chance to succeed when it matters most.

Common Concerns Among Parents

It’s completely natural for parents to have questions or hesitations about any vaccination, especially when it comes to their child’s well-being. As a matter of fact, we often hear a few recurring concerns about the flu jab, and we’re here to clarify them with facts and reassurance.

“Will the flu jab make my child sick?”

This is one of the most common misconceptions. The flu vaccine does not contain live virus [4] and cannot cause the flu. Some children may experience mild side effects, such as a sore arm, low-grade fever, or slight fatigue, usually lasting just a day or two. These are typical signs that the body is building immunity, and they are far milder than the actual flu itself.

“Is the flu jab really necessary every year?”

Yes, because influenza strains evolve each year, and the vaccine is updated accordingly. Getting the jab annually ensures that your child is protected against the most current and prevalent strains. Even if your child has received it in previous years, they’ll benefit from the updated protection and are likely to respond well to future vaccinations.

When and Where to Get the Flu Vaccine

To ensure full protection during exam season, we recommend getting the flu jab at least 2 to 3 weeks before exams begin.

At Phoenix Medical Group, our clinics across Singapore offer:

• Quick and convenient appointments.
• Gentle, child-friendly care.
• Experienced doctors who understand the concerns of exam-focused families.

You can easily book your child’s flu vaccination through our online platform or by calling our nearest clinic to you.

Final Thoughts

A healthy child is a confident child, especially during exam season. While we can’t control the questions on the exam paper, we can take steps to protect our children from avoidable setbacks like the flu.

Getting the flu jab before exams is a simple, proven way to help your child stay well, perform at their best, and approach the PSLE or other major tests with peace of mind. At Phoenix Medical Group, we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Protect your child’s health.

Protect their focus.

Protect their future.

References

1. All You Need to Know About Childhood Immunisations. (n.d.). In www.healthhub.sg. Retrieved June 12, 2025, from https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/all-you-need-to-know-about-vaccinations 
2. Seasonal influenza. (n.d.). In Communicable Diseases Agency. Retrieved June 12, 2025, from https://www.cda.gov.sg/professionals/diseases/seasonal-influenza 
3. Vaccine efficacy, effectiveness and protection. (n.d.). In www.who.int. Retrieved June 12, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/vaccine-efficacy-effectiveness-and-protection
4. Influenza vaccines – frequently asked questions (FAQs). (n.d.). In NCIRS. Retrieved June 12, 2025, from https://ncirs.org.au/influenza/influenza-vaccines-frequently-asked-questions-faqs