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Pertussis (whooping cough) Immunization Information
Description
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is 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.
As an adult, do I need to be vaccinated for Pertussis (Whooping Cough)?
- If you are <65 years 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 <1 year 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.
