The first reported epidemic of pertussis was in Paris in 1578.

The Disease

If you've ever seen a child with pertussis you, won't forget it. The child coughs violently and rapidly, over and over, until the air is gone from her lungs and she is forced to inhale with the loud "whooping" sound that gives the disease its nickname, Whooping Cough. Then the coughing begins again. These severe coughing spells can go on for weeks. The child might turn blue from lack of air, or vomit after a coughing spell. A child with Whooping Cough can have difficulty eating, drinking, or even breathing.

(more about the symptoms and way its spread)

The Immunization

The first pertussis vaccine was developed in the 1930's, and became widely used by the 1940's. In the early 1990's a new "acellular" pertussis vaccine was licensed, which works as well as the older vaccine but has fewer side effects.

Recently a second pertussis vaccine, Tdap, was added to the schedule for adolescents. It is recommended that adolescents receive this vaccine instead of Td.

(More about the DTaP immunization and side effects)

Vaccine Recommendations

• AAP: Prevention of Pertussis Among Adolescents: Recommendations for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
• CDC: Preventing Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Among Adults: Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Exit Site)

Quick Facts - What You Need to Know

• Why get vaccinated?
• Who should get DTaP vaccine and when?
• Some people should not get DTaP vaccine or should wait
• Older children and adults
• What are the risks from DTaP vaccine?
• What if there is a moderate or severe reaction?

Other Resources

• CDC Pertussis Page (Exit Site)
• Immunization Action Coalition Pertussis Page (Exit Site)
• National Network for Immunization Information Pertussis Page (Exit Site)