The whooping cough vaccine schedule typically involves:
- Babies receive a series of 3 DTaP shots at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months of age.
- They receive 2 booster shots at 15-18 months and 4-6 years old.
- Preteens get a single Tdap booster shot at 11-12 years of age.
- Adults who have never had a Tdap shot should get one at any time.
- Adults should get a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years to maintain protection.
Pregnant women are recommended to get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between 16 to 32 weeks of gestation, to protect the newborn. Certain adults at higher risk (healthcare workers, close contacts of infants) may also get booster doses every 10 years. In summary, after childhood series and preteen booster, adults generally need a whooping cough booster every 10 years, and pregnant women should get vaccinated during each pregnancy for newborn protection.
