Can pertussis be prevented?
Yes. Pertussis may be prevented in household members and close contacts of a person with pertussis by treating them with antibiotics, even if they have been vaccinated. Vaccination of children in early infancy may also prevent pertussis. Pertussis vaccine is give along with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines in the same shot (called DTaP). The vaccine may not be given to persons seven years of age or older. Vaccine protection begins to fade in older children and adults. Most hospitalizations and deaths occur in children less than three months of age. When possible, babies should be kept away from people who are coughing. Babies with any coughing illness should be seen by a doctor. Is the pertussis vaccine safe? Yes, it is safe for most people. Though there is a very slight risk of problems caused by the vaccine, pertussis is extremely serious. Pertussis causes about 10 deaths to 20 deaths each year in the United States. That is why experts recommend that all babies and children be given a
