Pertussis (whooping cough)

Risks

What are the risks of getting pertussis?

Anyone can get pertussis, but it is most dangerous for children under a year old. Adults and older children that are around infants and young children should be vaccinated.

Since immunization programs begin at 2 months, infants under 2 months of age are very vulnerable. The children who are most at risk for pertussis are not vaccinated, or under-vaccinated.