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Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccination

Pronounced (per-TUS-iss)

One of the Recommended Vaccines by Disease


Vaccines are available that can help prevent whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Whooping cough is a respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. There are two kinds of vaccines used today to protect against whooping cough, both of which are combined with vaccines for other diseases:

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccines
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines

Whooping cough vaccination is recommended for all babies, children, teens, and pregnant women. DTaP is given to children younger than 7 years old, while Tdap is given to older children and adults.

Talk with your or your child’s healthcare professional if you have questions about whooping cough vaccines.

CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for:

  • Babies and children
  • Preteens and teens
  • Pregnant women
  • Adults
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