Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:
Pertussis Disease In-Short
Description
A respiratory disease caused by bacteria
Symptoms
Runny nose, sneezing, low grade fever, cough, similar to the common cold. After 1-2 weeks, may progress to stage characterized by bursts of numerous rapid coughs (paroxysms). A final recovery stage with coughing may last weeks or months.
Complications
Bacterial pneumonia and rib fracture. Other complications of adult pertussis occur rarely. Infants are at highest risk for apnea, pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy, and death.
Transmission
Spread by coughing and sneezing.
Vaccine
Pertussis vaccine (contained in Tdap, DTP, and DTaP) can prevent this disease.
Who Needs to be Vaccinated?
Does my infant need this vaccine?
Yes, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends 5 doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine for infants and children. One dose of DTaP vaccine is recommended at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, 4-6 years old. DTaP vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
See also: childhood immunization schedule
See also: Who should not be vaccinated?
See also: DTaP Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
Does my pre-teen or adolescent need the vaccine?
The preferred age for routine vaccination with Tdap is 11 or 12 years old. Adolescents aged 11 through 18 should receive a single dose of Tdap instead of Td for booster immunization against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis if they have completed the recommended childhood DTP/DTaP vaccination series.
See also: Adolescent immunization schedule
As an adult, do I need the vaccine?
- If you are 19 through 64 years old and have not previously received a dose of Tdap, a single dose of Tdap should replace a single dose of Td for booster immunization if the most recent tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine was received at least 10 years earlier.
- Adults in close contact with an infant aged under 12 months who have not previously received Tdap should receive a dose of Tdap; an interval as short as 2 years since the most recent Td is suggested.
- Healthcare personnel in hospitals and ambulatory care settings with direct patient contact who have not previously received Tdap should receive a dose of Tdap; an interval as short as 2 years since the most recent Td is recommended.
See also: Adult immunization schedule
See also: Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations 
(exit) NEw july 28
Return to main Pertussis Vaccination page
Content last reviewed on June 1, 2007
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases