Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccination
Pronounced (per-TUS-iss)
Vaccines are available that can help prevent whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Whooping cough is a respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Two kinds of vaccines used today help protect against whooping cough, both of which also protect against other diseases:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccines
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines
Babies and children younger than 7 years old receive DTaP, while older children and adults receive Tdap.
CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for all babies and children, preteens and teens, and pregnant women. Adults who have never received a dose of Tdap should also get vaccinated against pertussis. Talk with your or your child’s healthcare professional if you have questions about whooping cough vaccines.
Basic information for people interested in diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccination...
Vaccine recommendations and contraindications; composition, immunogenicity, and efficacy; storage and handling; administration details...
CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for:
- Young children
- Preteens
- Pregnant women
- Adults who have never received Tdap
- CDC’s Whooping Cough Website
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough Vaccine Information Statements
- DTaP (English / Other Languagesexternal icon)
- Tdap (English / Other Languagesexternal icon)
- Whooping Cough Information on vaccines.govexternal icon
- Photos of Whooping Cough Bacteria and People Affected by Whooping Cough
Warning: Some of these photos are graphic.