Whooping cough (pertussis) affects people of all ages, but babies younger than 1 year are at greatest risk of catching it and of severe complications. Vaccines are the best protection, and CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for everyone: babies and children, preteens and teens, pregnant women, and adults. The vaccines work well, but protection fades over time.
Two vaccines
Both whooping cough vaccines are combination vaccines:
- DTaP, given to babies and young children; and
- Tdap, given to preteens, teens and adults.
The "T" in each name stands for tetanus and the "D" or "d" for diphtheria, which the vaccines also protect against.
Talk to a provider first if…
Discuss your vaccination history and the vaccine's ingredients with a provider. Some people should not receive DTaP or Tdap — for example, anyone who had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose, or who has a life-threatening allergy to any part of the vaccine. Also tell the provider if you or your child:
- has seizures or another nervous system problem;
- has ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome; or
- had severe pain or swelling after a tetanus or diphtheria vaccine.
Vaccination is generally fine during a mild illness such as a cold; a provider can advise whether to wait.
Side effects
Most people have no serious problems. Side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days, though serious reactions are possible.
| DTaP | Tdap | |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | swelling or soreness at the injection site, fever, fussiness, tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting | pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomachache |
More serious reactions after DTaP are much less common: seizures, crying nonstop for 3 hours or more, or a fever over 105°F. Rarely, a whole arm or leg swells, usually in older children getting their fourth or fifth dose.
Where to get vaccinated
- Children and teens: DTaP and Tdap are part of the routine childhood schedule, available at pediatric and family practices, community health clinics and public health departments.
- Adults: a health care provider's office or pharmacy is usually best; if your provider does not stock Tdap, ask for a referral. Federally funded health centers serve people without a regular source of care, and health departments can say where vaccines are offered locally.
Paying for it
Most private health insurance plans cover these vaccines; check with your insurer about costs and in-network providers. The Vaccines for Children program provides vaccines for children whose families may not be able to afford them.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Whooping Cough Vaccination": https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/vaccines/index.html
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from www.cdc.gov
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