Help protect yourself against whooping cough
Bordetella pertussis is bacteria that causes pertussis, commonly known as ‘whooping cough.’ The disease affects the lungs and airways and can lead to serious complications.
Whooping cough is contagious but preventable with vaccination
Whooping cough isn't just for kids. It is highly contagious, and some people who spread the disease—including adults—may not know they have it. Whooping cough is caused by bacteria that spread easily through coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others.
To help prevent whooping cough, ask your doctor or pharmacist if Tdap or DTaP—vaccines that also help prevent tetanus and diphtheria—are appropriate for you or your child.
Understand the risk and who should be vaccinated
Anyone can get whooping cough at any age. Learn more about whooping cough symptoms and get vaccinated to help prevent the disease.
Adults
Adults ages 19 years and older who did not get a Tdap shot in their adolescence should get one dose of Tdap to help protect themselves from whooping cough.
Pregnant people
To help protect their infants from whooping cough, pregnant people should receive a Tdap vaccine with every pregnancy, between the 27th and 36th week, preferably in the early part of this time frame, although it could be administered anytime during pregnancy.
Infants & children
Eligible babies and younger children should receive a 5-dose series of DTaP. Older children are recommended to receive a dose of Tdap preferably between 11-12 years of age to help prevent whooping cough.
Booster doses of Td or Tdap
Td (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccines are used to help prevent tetanus and diphtheria in older children and adults, and the Tdap vaccine can also help prevent pertussis or whooping cough.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults receive a booster dose of either the Td or Tdap vaccines every ten years to ensure continued protection against tetanus and diphtheria.Learn more
Help prevent whooping cough by getting vaccinated
Tdap and DTaP are vaccines that can help protect against three serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Of the three, pertussis, or whooping cough, is the most common in the US.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whooping cough vaccination.
