Whooping Cough Prevention

Prevention

Vaccine

The best means of prevention is immunization . DTaP (for children) and Tdap (for adolescents and adults) are vaccines that protect against diphtheria , tetanus , and pertussis. The vaccine is given as a series of shots, which is usually started when a baby is two months old. But children seven years and older and adults who have not been vaccinated should also receive the series. *¹

Preventive Antibiotics

People in close contact with someone infected with whooping cough may be advised to take preventive antibiotics, even if they've been vaccinated. This is especially important in households with members at high risk for severe disease, such as children under one year of age.

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