The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine protects people from a respiratory infection called whooping cough.
The vaccine is recommended for all infants, children, adolescents, and adults.
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Who Needs the Whooping Cough Vaccine?
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In the United States, vaccination against whooping cough is recommended for people of all age groups.
This includes babies, children, teens, adults, and pregnant people.
At What Age Should I Get the Whooping Cough Vaccine?
Typically, the earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome.
Who Should Not Get the Whooping Cough Vaccine?
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.
You should wait at least two weeks after getting the vaccine before seeing a baby.
It takes about this long for your body to develop antibodies.
Having the infection doesn’t provide permanent protection.
How Effective Is the Vaccine?
According to the CDC, DTaP vaccines are about 80% to 90% effective.
In the first year after getting the Tdap vaccine, it protects about seven out of 10 people.
About Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is a respiratory infection brought on by theBordetella pertussisbacteria.
It spreads easily through coughing or sneezing.
The infection often triggers severecoughing episodesthat make it difficult to eat, breathe, or sleep.
While it is usually considered a childhood disease, adults can also get the infection.
Summary
Whooping cough is an infection that can cause severe bouts of coughing.
In serious cases, it can be life-threatening.
A whooping cough vaccine greatly reduces your risk of developing the infection.
The CDC recommends that all people receive the whooping cough vaccine at various stages throughout their lives.
Vaccine side effects are usually mild and go away after a couple of days.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Whooping cough vaccination.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Whooping cough (pertussis).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diphtheria vaccination.
American Lung Association.Pertussis in adults.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tdap vaccination for pregnant women.
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Whooping cough (pertussis).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of whooping cough vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines for family and caregivers.
