Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccination

Pronounced (per-TUS-iss)

Whooping cough — known medically as pertussis — is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold, whooping cough may eventually turn more serious, particularly in infants. The best way to prevent it is through vaccinations. The childhood vaccine is called DTaP. The whooping cough booster vaccine for adolescents and adults is called Tdap. Both DTaP and Tdap protect against whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria.

• What Everyone Should Know
  Basic information for people interested in the vaccine
• Information for Healthcare Professionals
  Vaccine recommendations and contraindications; composition, dosage, and administration; handling and storage