How often do I need the whooping cough vaccine?

Hello Nina,

Thank you for your question.

Whooping cough, known medically as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection.

As a child, you probably were vaccinated with the DTaP vaccine , one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6, and 15 through 18 months and 4 through 6 years.

A single dose of the Tdap vaccine is given to adolescents ages 11 through 18, preferably ages 11 to 12.

The CDC recommends one dose of Tdap be administered to adults 19 years of age and older who did not get Tdap as an adolescent.

Expectant mothers should receive Tdap during each pregnancy, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks.

Nina, I hope this information is help in determining if you need a booster pertussis vaccine.

Regards,
Maryann