whooping cough is commonly thought of as sort of an old-time disease of childhood that went away with vaccination but it never really went away. vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family. learn about 3 ways vaccines can protect babies in particular in this simple infographic from cdc: protect babies from whooping cough. infants too young to be vaccinated are at highest risk for disease and severe complications. in this case everyone around them who helps care for them should be vaccinated. pregnant moms are recommended tdap during every pregnancy to protect themselves and to pass protective antibodies to their babies. for kids pertussis vaccination starts at 2 months with additional doses at 4 months and 6 months. they get the pertussis vaccine with diphtheria and tetanus and often combined with other childhood vaccines. a booster is required at 15 through 18 months and another booster at 4 through 6 years before they start school. the tdap vaccine is recommended for all adolescents preferably at age 11 or 12. anyone who hasn't gotten it at age 11 or 12 should get a dose. if adults have never had tdap they should get a dose at any time regardless of when they got their last tetanus and diphtheria (td) booster. adolescents and adults need a dose of tdap even if they were vaccinated as children or have had a pertussis infection.
how can i prevent whooping cough?