Prevention: Babies and Children

Español: Prevención: Bebés y niños

The best way to protect babies and children from pertussis (whooping cough) is to make sure they get vaccinated. DTaP is the recommended pertussis vaccine for babies and children. This is a combination vaccine that protects children against 3 diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. For maximum protection against pertussis, children need 5 DTaP shots, which begin at 2 months old.

Parents can also help protect their children by keeping them away, as much as possible, from anyone who has cold symptoms or a cough. Pregnant women should get the Tdap shot to help protect babies until they are old enough to receive DTaP vaccines. See Prevention: Parents-to-be for more information.

CDC recommends a dose of Tdap for 7 through 10 year olds who have not received all the recommended doses of DTaP.

References

• CDC. Updated Recommendations for the Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2010. MMWR 2011;60(01):13–15.
• CDC. Pertussis Vaccination: Use of Acellular Pertussis Vaccines Among Infants and Young Children Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR 1997;46(RR-7):1–25.

Resources for Parents of Babies & Children

• Vaccine Information Statements (DTaP and Tdap)
• Infographic: Protect Babies from Whooping Cough
• Pertussis Resources for Parents of Young Children