What Is Pertussis?

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lining and airways of the respiratory tract. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.

Pertussis is spread by:

  • Inhaling wet droplets from the sneeze or cough of a person infected with pertussis
  • Having direct contact with the person’s respiratory secretions

This infection is most common in infants and children. People at most risk are those who:

  • Have not been immunized
  • Live or work with someone who has pertussis
  • Live in close quarters (eg, dormitory, nursing home)
  • Live in crowded or unsanitary conditions
  • Are pregnant

What Is the Pertussis Vaccine?

The pertussis vaccine contains small, purified pieces of the pertussis germ. There are different types of the vaccines to prevent pertussis, including:

  • DTaP—given to children to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
  • Tdap—given to children, adolescents, and adults to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis

The vaccine is given as an injection, usually into the arm or thigh.

Who Should Get Vaccinated and When?

DTap

The DTaP vaccine is generally required before starting school. The regular immunization schedule is to give the vaccine at:

  • 2 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months
  • 15-18 months
  • 4-6 years

Tdap

Tdap is routinely recommended for children aged 11-12 years who have completed the DTaP series. Tdap can also be given to:

  • Children aged 7-10 years who have not been fully vaccinated
  • Children and teens aged 13-18 years who did not get the Tdap when they were 11-12 years old
  • Adults under 65 years who have never received Tdap
  • Pregnant women after 20 weeks gestation who have not previously received Tdap
  • Adults who have not been previously vaccinated and who have contact with babies aged 12 months or younger
  • Healthcare providers who have not previously received Tdap

Catch-Up Schedule

If you or your child has not been fully vaccinated against pertussis, talk to the doctor.

What Are the Risks Associated With the Pertussis Vaccine?

Most people tolerate the vaccines without any trouble. The most common side effects are:

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Mild fever
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach ache

Uncommon symptoms include:

  • Fever over 102ºF
  • Severe gastrointestinal problems
  • Severe headache
  • Nervous system problems or a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis(extremely rare)

Acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol) is sometimes given to reduce pain and fever that may occur after getting a vaccine. In infants, the medicine may weaken the vaccine’s effectiveness. However, in children at risk for siezures, a fever lowering medicine may be important to take. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking acetaminophen with your doctor.

Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?

Most people should receive their vaccinations on schedule. However, individuals in whom the risks of vaccination outweigh the benefits include people who:

  • Have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to DTP, DTap, DT, Tdap, or Td vaccine
  • Have had a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine to be given
  • Have gone into a coma or long seizure within seven days after a dose of DTP or DTaP

Talk with your doctor before getting the vaccine if you have:

  • Allergy to latex
  • Epilepsy or other nervous system problem
  • Severe swelling or severe pain after a previous dose of any component of the vaccination to be given
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome
  • Moderate or severe illness (Wait until you recover to get the vaccine.)

What Other Ways Can Pertussis Be Prevented Besides Vaccination?

Isolating those with any contagious disease has long been the main approach to prevent its spread. It is essential, for example, to keep people with pertussis at home until the illness has run its course.

If you have come in close contact with someone who is infected, you may need to take antibiotics.

What Happens in the Event of an Outbreak?

In the event of an outbreak, all people who may have been exposed should be brought up to date with the vaccination. It is important to protect infants by isolating those who have the infection. Diagnosing the disease as quickly as possible can help control future outbreaks.

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