Whooping Cough Vaccine

Pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It spreads easily from person to person through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.

• Why it matters:
  • Pertussis can cause violent, uncontrollable coughing fits that make it hard to breathe. After coughing, a person may gasp for air, creating the characteristic “whooping” sound.
  • The illness can last for weeks to months and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, or death—especially in infants.
• Highest risk group:
  • Infants under 6 months old are at greatest risk of severe illness and complications, yet they are too young to be fully immunized.
  • Most babies who get whooping cough catch it from a parent, sibling, or caregiver who is unknowingly infected.
• Vaccine recommendations:
  • The Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) is recommended for:
    • All new parents, grandparents, siblings, and caregivers who will be in close contact with an infant.
    • Pregnant women, ideally during the third trimester of each pregnancy, to pass protective antibodies to the baby before birth.
    • Adolescents and adults who have never received a Tdap booster.
  • Vaccination helps create a “cocoon of protection” around infants until they are old enough to receive their own vaccines, starting at 2 months of age.
• Why adults need boosters:
  • Immunity from childhood pertussis vaccination wears off over time.
  • Adults can unknowingly spread the disease to babies if they are not up to date with their Tdap vaccination.
• Key takeaway:
  • The pertussis vaccine is not only about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting the most vulnerable, especially newborns and infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.