What is it?
Pertussis is a viral respiratory illness that can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death. It is serious for infants. They may have trouble feeding and breathing and may turn bluish. It spreads easily by coughing and sneezing. Many infants are unable to cough and are at highest risk for being hospitalized and dying from the disease. Babies older than six months and kids with whooping cough often have severe coughing spells that make it hard for a child to eat, drink, breathe, and sleep.
What can I do?
The DTaP vaccine is used to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Kids should get 5 doses of DTaP vaccine, one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years. Most infants get pertussis from a family member, so older children and adults who have contact with babies should get a Tdap vaccine.
Is it safe?
Yes, DTaP vaccine is safe. Severe allergic reactions are rare and occur in about 1 in 1 million doses.
|
Age > Vaccine |
2 months |
4 months |
6 months |
12 months |
15 months |
18 months |
4-6 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough) |
DTaP* | DTaP* | DTaP* | DTaP‡ | DTaP* | DTaP* | |
| * - Your child should get the vaccine at this age or age range. If he misses a dose, get it as soon as possible. | ‡ - Your child can get the 4th dose of DTaP as early as age 12 months. Ask your doctor or nurse for more information. |