Pertussis: Are You Protected?

What is pertussis? Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial illness that causes an upper respiratory infection; thick, sticky mucus; and a long-lasting, severe cough. The paroxysmal coughing can also lead to a whooping sound when breathing, vomiting, and broken ribs. The disease can be fatal for infants and very young children who are unvaccinated. In adults, pertussis tends to cause fatigue and a severe cough that hangs on for several weeks or months.

Where is pertussis breaking out? Right here at home. Pertussis cases are on the rise, with over 25,000 reported cases in the US in 2005. A number of schools in the Boulder, CO area reported pertussis outbreaks in the 2005-06 school year; through 2007, Boulder’s pertussis disease rates remained as high as 15 times the national average. Anyone who has close contact with children is at risk of picking up and transmitting this disease to other adults and children. Pertussis is also a risk for travelers to any country outside the United States.

Haven’t I already been vaccinated for pertussis? Children in the US receive 4 doses of pertussis vaccine in the routine childhood vaccination schedule, with the last dose given at age 4-6. That immunity tends to wear off with age. For this reason, a pertussis booster is recommended for teenagers (when they receive their tetanus booster at age 12 or after) and for adults (one-time booster).

Who needs a pertussis booster? Any adolescent or adult under the age of 65 who has not received the pertussis booster previously is a candidate for the pertussis vaccine. Healthcare workers, childcare workers, and those with chronic medical conditions are at high risk from this disease. The pertussis booster vaccine is currently offered along with tetanus and diphtheria boosters, in a combination vaccine called Adacel or Boostrix (TDaP). This vaccine came on the market in 2005. If you haven’t had a tetanus booster since 2005, ask for TDaP on your next vaccination visit.

To schedule an appointment for your tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine, please call our Passport Health Colorado offices at 303-442-8728 or 719-387-5528.