Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a contagious respiratory disease that can cause serious illness, especially in infants too young to be fully vaccinated.

To prevent pertussis, infants should be vaccinated as soon as they are old enough. Older adults who were vaccinated should get boosters as the vaccine fades over time.

We recommend that those over 18 should get a booster vaccination immediately if they haven’t received one and/or have contact with infants.

We can administer infants their fourth DTaP dose at 18 months and the fifth dose at 6 to 7 years, and we can give first-time and booster Tdap vaccinations to older children and adults.

• About DTaP vaccinations >>
• About Tdap vaccinations >>

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued the following guidelines:

• Summary of vaccine recommendations >>
• State vaccination requirements >>

Read more about whooping cough and why vaccinations are mportant.

• Whooping cough in depth >>
• About pertussis vaccines >>

• Immunization guidelines for children >>
• Immunization guidelines for older adults >>