Prevention: Babies and Children

Español: Prevención: Bebés y niños

The best way to protect babies and children from pertussis (whooping cough) is to make sure they get vaccinated. The recommended pertussis vaccine for babies and children is called DTaP. This is a combination vaccine that protects children against 3 diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. For maximum protection against pertussis, children need 5 DTaP shots.

Parents can also help protect their children by keeping them away, as much as possible, from anyone who has cold symptoms or is coughing. To provide protection before babies are old enough to receive DTaP vaccines, pregnant women should get the Tdap shot. See Prevention: Parents-to-be for more information.

A dose of Tdap should be given to 7 through 10 year olds who are not fully immunized with DTaP.

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. Pertussis Vaccination: Use of Acellular Pertussis Vaccines Among Infants and Young Children Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR 1997;46(RR-7):1-25.

Resources for Parents of Babies & Children

• Vaccine Information Statements (DTaP and Tdap)
• Infographic: Protect Babies from Whooping Cough
• Pertussis Resources for Parents of Young Children