Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccine

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. It seems like an ordinary cold in the beginning, but can eventually become more serious, particularly in infants. Whooping cough is the most contagious before the coughing starts.

Symptoms start like the common cold, with a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and possibly a mild cough or fever. After one or two weeks, severe coughing begins. Violent and rapid coughing over and over, expels air from their lungs and forces strong inhalation that makes the loud "whooping" sound.

Whooping cough is worse for very young children who may need hospitalization or may develop pneumonia.

The best way to prevent it is through vaccinations. The childhood vaccine is called DTaP. The whooping cough booster vaccine for adolescents and adults is called Tdap. Both protect against whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria.

This information has been approved by Christopher Czaja, MD, MPH (Septmeber 2009).