Prevention

The best way to protect against pertussis is with vaccines, while preventive antibiotics can be used to protect people who have been exposed and are at high risk of developing severe pertussis.

Vaccination

Pertussis vaccines are recommended for infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Five doses of DTaP are recommended for children 2 months through 6 years of age. One dose of Tdap is recommended for those 11 years or older, with a preferred administration at 11 or 12 years of age. Tdap is also recommended for pregnant women during each pregnancy, with a preferred administration during the early part of gestational weeks 27 through 36. 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 and to persons who will have close contact with those at high risk of developing severe pertussis. Learn more about use of PEP.