Prevention: Travelers

Español: Prevención: Viajeros

Pertussis (whooping cough) commonly occurs worldwide, even in countries with high vaccination rates. Travelers should be up-to-date with recommended pertussis vaccinations before departure.

Remember, babies too young to have protection from the first 3 DTaP shots are at greater risk of getting a very bad case of pertussis and possibly dying from it.

References

• CDC. Updated Recommendations for the Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2010. MMWR 2011;60(01):13–15.
• CDC. Preventing Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Among Adults: Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccines. Recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and Recommendation of ACIP, supported by the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), for the Use of Tdap Among Healthcare Personnel. MMWR 2006;55(RR17):1–33.

Resource for Travelers

• Vaccine Information Statements (DTaP, Td and Tdap)
• Travelers’ Health — Yellow Book Pertussis Information