HARRISBURG – With some areas of Pennsylvania seeing an increase in whooping cough, known medically as pertussis, the Department of Health encourages all residents to be protected against this vaccine-preventable disease.
Pertussis is an infection of the respiratory system and is characterized by severe coughing spells that may end in a “whooping” sound. The department recommends the vaccine, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis, or Tdap, booster for persons 10 years of age and older.
Because immunity from whooping cough fades over time, most adolescents and adults are susceptible to the disease. In addition to the typical childhood series of pertussis immunizations received at 2, 4, 6 and 15-18 months of age as well as the follow up booster received between 4 and 6 years of age, the department also recommends the following individuals receive the pertussis vaccine:
- Individuals 10 years of age and older;
- Women of childbearing age, before or immediately after pregnancy;
- People who have contact with pregnant women or infants too young to have received a full series of vaccinations; and
- All family members and caregivers of infants.
The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold including runny nose, sneezing, mild cough and low-grade fever. After about one to two weeks, the dry, irritating cough evolves into coughing spells that can last for more than one minute and can lead to vomiting.
For more information about immunizations, visit www.vaccinesforlife.com or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.