Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, affects the respiratory tract causing excessive coughing fits that can disturb normal breathing. It is highly contagious and can spread through coughing or sneezing. Vaccination can help prevent whooping cough.
All children should get the Tdap vaccine at age 11 to 12 years.
All unvaccinated adults should get 1 dose of the Tdap vaccine.
All pregnant women should get 1 dose of the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably in gestational weeks 27 to 36.