whooping cough vaccine

The whooping cough vaccine, also known as the pertussis vaccine, is a combination vaccine given to protect against whooping cough (pertussis), a serious respiratory infection. It is recommended for people of all ages, especially babies, pregnant women, children, and adults who are in close contact with infants. The vaccine is often combined with protection against diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP for children, Tdap for adolescents and adults). Pregnant women are advised to get vaccinated between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy to pass immunity to their baby, protecting them before they can start their own vaccinations at 8 weeks old. Side effects are usually mild and may include pain or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, or tiredness. Serious side effects are extremely rare. The vaccine schedule for infants includes several doses starting from 2 months of age. Booster shots are recommended for children, adolescents, and adults to maintain protection since immunity can decrease over time. The vaccine is widely used and considered safe, with ongoing monitoring confirming no risks to pregnancy or babies when given during pregnancy. Overall, the whooping cough vaccine is effective in preventing severe disease and complications, especially in young babies who are most vulnerable to the infection.