What is pertussis (whooping cough)?
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The infection typically starts like a cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, and mild cough. The cough lasts 1-2 weeks and then worsens, occurring in fits sometimes followed by a whooping noise, gagging or vomiting. The disease can be very serious in children less than 1 year of age where it can cause lung infections and, less often, seizures or inflammation of the brain. In rare cases, pertussis can result in death, especially in infants.
Who gets pertussis?
Pertussis can occur at any age, but vaccination reduces the risk. It most commonly occurs in very young children who have not been vaccinated. Pertussis can also occur in older children and adults, where it can cause a milder illness that may not be diagnosed. Persons with mild symptoms can still transmit the disease.
Why be concerned?
Pertussis is on the rise in the United States and here in Virginia. A total of 384 pertussis cases were reported in Virginia in 2010; three times the number reported in 2007. The good news is that pertussis is preventable.
Prevent pertussis:
The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated. Young children need five shots against whooping cough; four shots by 18 months of age and a booster before starting kindergarten. Protection from the childhood vaccine fades over time. Adolescents and adults should receive a one-time dose of the Tdap booster. Talk to your physician to ensure you and your family are up-to-date on your whooping cough vaccines.
Where can I get the vaccine?
Vaccines that prevent pertussis are available through your physician’s office, local health departments and in many pharmacies.
Pertussis Vaccine Information
About Pertussis Vaccine
Pertussis Vaccine Recommendations Across the Lifespan
Immunizations and Pregnancy (10/2011)
Where can I Find Pertussis Vaccines?
Information on DTaP, Tdap and Insurance Coverage
Find the Health Department Closest to You
Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTaP)
VIS for DTaP in foreign languages
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
VIS for Tdap in foreign languages
Patient Education Materials- Flyers and Posters
Surround your Baby with a Vaccinated Family
Pregnant Women: Protect Your Baby from Whooping Cough
Parents: Protect Yourself and Your Children
Immunization: the Power to Protect Against Whooping Cough.
Grandparents: Protect Yourself and Your Grandbaby
Poster (11x17): Whooping Cough Outbreak. Vaccinate to Protect.
Disease Information
Pertussis Chapter - Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (Pink Book) (5/2011)
Pertussis Diagnostics Pamphlet - Association of Public Health Laboratories
Best Practices for Health Care Professionals on the Use of PCR Tests for Diagnosing Pertussis CDC
Specimen collection videos from CDC CDC
Hear What Pertussis Sounds Like (PKIDS)
Pertussis Surveillance Summary for Virginia- 2009 (VDH)
Ten-Year Trend in Reported Cases of Pertussis and Other Notifiable Diseases- 2010 (VDH)
Letters and Report from VDH and Professional Organizations
**NEW **
Report of the Health Commissioner’s Pertussis Prevention Task Force (5/2012)
Increase in Pertussis Letter from the Health Commissioner (11/2010)
Joint Letter from the ACOG, AAP, VAFP, VACEP and VDH (11/2011)
Vaccine Information
Vaccine Recommendations (DTaP and Tdap) Across the Lifespan CDC
Recommendations for Use of Tdap Vaccine in Pregnant Women & Contacts of Infants MMWR (10/2011)
CDC Immunization & Pregnancy Chart for Providers CDC
Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations MMWR (11/2011)
Updated Tdap Recommendations MMWR (1/2011)
Tdap Vaccination Strategies for Adults and Adolescents, including Health Care Personnel Joint Commission (2/2011)
Continuing Education and FAQs
Ask the Experts- Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis FAQs Immunization Action Coalition
CME: AAP, CDC Update Whooping Cough Vaccine Recommendations 0.25 CME/CE Medscape (expires 9/2012) *log-in required
FAQs for Use/Off-Label Use of Tdap
FAQs for Tdap Insurance Coverage for Virginia Providers
Sample Standing Orders
Standing Orders for Administering DTaP Vaccine to Children Younger than 7 Years
Standing Orders for Administering Td/Tdap Vaccine to Adults
Standing Orders for Administering Td/Tdap Vaccine to Children Ages 7 years and Older
Education Materials for Your Health Care Staff and Patients
Health Care Personnel: Time to Get Your Tdap!
Surround Your Baby with a Vaccinated Family
Protect Your Baby from Whooping Cough
Parents: Protect Yourself and Your Children
Immunization: the Power to Protect Against Whooping Cough
Grandparents: Protect Yourself and Your Grandbaby
Poster (11x17): Whooping Cough Outbreak. Vaccinate to Protect
Tetanus Prophylaxis in Wound Management (use of Tdap and Td)