evidence: You should not receive a pertussis vaccine if you’re allergic to any ingredient in the vaccine or have had a serious reaction to diphtheria, tetanus, or whooping cough vaccines in the past. Before you receive your whooping cough vaccine, let your healthcare provider know if you: Have had a previous reaction to vaccines Have seizures or other nervous system conditions Have had Guillain-Barre syndrome (an immune system disorder) If you’re not feeling well, it might be a good idea to wait until you're better to get your vaccine. Side Effects Many people have no side effects from the whooping cough vaccine or mild side effects that go away on their own within a few days. Some possible side effects include: Fever Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site Headache Feeling tired Upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting Fussiness (in kids) Loss of appetite In very rare cases, the DTaP vaccine has caused high fever, seizures, and excessive crying in children. Other Considerations There are additional reasons to stay up-to-date on your whooping cough vaccinations. Vaccine protection: The whooping cough vaccine doesn't last for life.