I had whooping cough when I was about 8-ish, and I'd had the vaccinations. My mum asked the doctor at the Children's Hospital in Melbourne what was the point in getting me vaccinated, and the Dr told her that if I hadn't have been vaccinated it probably would have killed me, but I had asthma as well.

I still remember how horrible it was, and I don't remember much at all from before I was about 11 because I had a water skiing accident which resulted in a severe head injury and a lot of memory loss, but that's one thing I think I'll never forget. My partner also had whooping cough at the start of the year, and he's adamant that the baby will be vaccinated when he's due, especially given the chance of him having asthma - it's a strong family thing unfortunately, and it's just not worth the risk for me. It's a horrible horrible disease that I wouldn't wish on anyone.