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# Pertussis Disease - Questions & Answers  (Whooping Cough)
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/pertussis_disease_1608101216/
- Published: 2010-08-16T01:17:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:03:22.000Z
- Description: A CDC question-and-answer on whooping cough: the US averaged more than 160,000 cases and 5,000 deaths a year before vaccines arrived in the 1940s, reports fell more than 99 percent by 1976, and cases have climbed since the 1980s, reaching over 13,000 with 18 deaths in 2008.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Disease, Health News, #vivvo-import

##### **Why do we vaccinate against pertussis (also called “whooping cough”)?**

The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated. Pertussis is a bacterial  
respiratory illness characterized by severe spasms of coughing that can last for   
several weeks or even for months. Pertussis is usually spread from person-to-person   
through close contact with respiratory droplets released when a person coughs or sneezes. Before the introduction of pertussis vaccines in the 1940s, pertussis was a major cause of serious illness and death among infants and young children in the United States.

##### **How many cases of pertussis are reported in the United States?**

An average of more than 160,000 cases and more than 5,000 deaths were reported every year in the 1920s-30s. At its peak during this period, the annual number of case-reports was more than 250,000 with up to 9,000 deaths. In the 1940s, whole-cell pertussis vaccine combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (DTP) was introduced, and case-reports of pertussis decreased more than 99% by 1976, when the number of reported cases reached a record-low of 1,010 cases.

##### **Is pertussis reporting on the rise in the U.S.?**

Since the 1980s, there's been an increase in the number of reported cases of pertussis, especially among teens (10–19 years of age) and babies less than 6 months of age. In 2008 there were more than 13,000 cases of pertussis reported nationally including 18 deaths.

##### **Why are we concerned about pertussis among infants?** 

Infants under the age of 12 months have more serious illness from pertussis and they are more likely to have complications and be hospitalized than persons in other age groups. In the 1990s, about two thirds of infants reported with pertussis were hospitalized. Infants are more likely to have pneumonia or convulsions. Infants also are at greatest risk of fatal pertussis. In recent years, 8 to 40 infant deaths from pertussis are reported to CDC annually.

##### **What can we do to prevent infants from getting pertussis?**

In the U.S., we have a vaccine called DTaP (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine). DTaP is safe and effective, and prevents severe pertussis and death among infants and young children. **The best way to protect infants** from pertussis is to give DTaP vaccine on time at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. At least three DTaP doses are needed to have the maximum benefit from the vaccination. However, even one or two doses of DTaP will provide some protection against pertussis. Parents are urged to make sure their infant receives all recommended doses of DTaP on time to best protect their infant. An additional dose of DTaP vaccine is recommended at 15-18 months and at 4-6 years of age to maintain protection.

Protection from the childhood vaccine fades over time. Today there are boosters for adolescents and adults that contain tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (called Tdap). Tdap is recommended for all pre-teens going to the doctor for their regular check-up at age 11 or 12 years. Adults who didn't get Tdap as a pre-teen or teen should get one dose of Tdap instead of the Td booster. Most pregnant women who were not previously vaccinated with Tdap should get one dose of Tdap post-partum before leaving the hospital or birthing center.

Parents can also help protect their very young infants by minimizing exposure (close contact) with persons who have cold symptoms or cough illness. Coughing people of any age, including parents, siblings and grandparents can have pertussis. When a person has cold symptoms or cough illness, they need to stay away from young infants as much as possible.

##### **What is the recommended immunization schedule to prevent pertussis with DTaP?**

DTaP (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis) vaccine is recommended for all infants at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. An additional dose of DTaP vaccine is recommended at 15-18 months of age and at 4-6 years of age. It is important that young infants start their DTaP vaccination without delay at 2 months of age.

##### **What is the recommended immunization schedule to prevent pertussis with Tdap?**

Pre-teens going to the doctor for their regular check-up at age 11 or 12 years should get a dose of Tdap. Adults age 19 through 64 years old who didn't get Tdap as a pre-teen or teen should get one dose of Tdap instead of the Td booster. Most pregnant women who were not previously vaccinated with Tdap should get one dose of Tdap post-partum before leaving the hospital or birthing center. Getting vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for families with new infants – this includes pre-teens, parents, grandparents, and anyone else who will have close contact with a new infant.

The easiest thing for adults to do is to get Tdap instead of their next regular tetanus booster—that Td shot that they were supposed to get every 10 years. The dose of Tdap can be given earlier than the 10-year mark, so it's a good idea for adults to talk to a healthcare provider about what's best for their specific situation.

**NOTE:** People 65 years and older do not currently have a whooping cough booster vaccine licensed for their age group. However, people in this age group can talk to their healthcare provider to see if getting Tdap is a good decision for them. This discussion can include weighing the risks and benefits of receiving Tdap. Receiving Tdap may be especially important during a community outbreak and/or if caring for an infant

from cdc