The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine schedule varies by age group:
- Babies and children under 7 years old receive the DTaP vaccine series: 3 doses at 2, 4, and 6 months, plus boosters at 15-18 months and 4-6 years.
- Preteens and teens should get one Tdap booster between ages 11 and 12. If missed, they should get it at their next healthcare visit.
- Adults who have never received Tdap should get one dose, and after that, a booster (Td or Tdap) every 10 years is recommended.
- Pregnant women are advised to get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between 16 and 32 weeks gestation, to protect the baby at birth.
In summary, whooping cough vaccination is given in infancy with boosters in childhood and periodically every 10 years in adults, with special emphasis on vaccination during every pregnancy for newborn protection.
