Why do adults need to get vaccinated against pertussis?
While you may have received a pertussis vaccination as a child (also known as a whooping cough vaccination), it may wear off after 5–10 years.3 That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 11–64 years of age get vaccinated with a Tdap booster. It is especially important for those who will be in close contact with a baby to get vaccinated, since children 12 months of age or younger are at an increased risk of getting pertussis.3,6
Are vaccines safe?
Vaccines undergo years of testing before they are licensed for use, and they continue to be monitored after licensure. While no vaccination is 100% safe, serious side effects are rare. When side effects do occur, they are generally mild and may include fever and soreness at the vaccination site.
Isn’t it better to get immunity by catching a disease instead of by being vaccinated?
Vaccination is a much safer way of acquiring immunity to a disease than catching it. And because whooping cough is highly contagious, if you were to catch it, you risk passing this potentially serious disease to your baby or other people.1
What are some other good sources for vaccine information?
Some reliable sources of accurate and up-to-date vaccine information include:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/vaccines
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): www.cispimmunize.org
- Immunization Action Coalition: www.immunize.org
- PKIDS (Parents of Kids With Infectious Diseases): www.pkids.org
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (click on Health and Medical Information): www.chop.edu
- National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP): www.pertussis.com
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