Prevention
Pediatric clinicians are in a unique position to prevent infant pertussis. Administer DTaP to all patients on schedule and encourage Tdap for pregnant women you encounter in your practice.
The best way to protect against pertussis is with vaccines. Clinicians can also use preventive antibiotics to protect people who have been exposed and are at high risk of developing severe pertussis.
Vaccination
CDC recommends pertussis vaccines for
- Infants
- Children
- Adolescents
- Adults
Clinicians should give five doses of DTaP to children 2 months through 6 years of age. CDC recommends one dose of Tdap for those 11 years or older, with a preferred administration at 11 or 12 years of age. CDC also recommends Tdap for pregnant women during each pregnancy, with a preferred administration during the early part of gestational weeks 27 through 36. All adults who haven’t been previously vaccinated with Tdap should get a Tdap vaccine followed by either a Td or Tdap vaccine every 10 years. Get more information on pertussis vaccines.
Postexposure Antimicrobial Prophylaxis (PEP)
CDC supports targeting postexposure antibiotic use to persons
- At high risk of developing severe pertussis
- Who will have close contact with those at high risk of developing severe pertussis
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- Evaluating Revaccination of Healthcare Personnel
Jun 2015
- Letter to Providers: Tdap and Influenza Vaccination of Pregnant Women pdf icon[2 pages]
Oct 2017
- FAQ: Why Are Reported Cases of Pertussis Increasing?
Learn about waning immunity and other factors driving the resurgence of pertussis.
- Pertussis: Summary of Vaccine Recommendations
Table of DTaP and Tdap vaccine recommendations across the lifespan
- Tdap for Pregnant Women
Information about the best way to protect newborns from pertussis, including safety, side effects, and efficacy of receiving Tdap during pregnancy.
- Evaluating Revaccination of Healthcare Personnel