Why the Whooping Cough Vaccine Is Important

The whooping cough vaccine is important because it helps protect people from getting whooping cough, a serious respiratory illness that can cause severe coughing fits, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Whooping cough can be fatal, especially in infants.

The whooping cough vaccine is very effective at preventing whooping cough. In the United States, the number of cases of whooping cough has declined by more than 99% since the vaccine was introduced in the 1940s.

Whooping cough is spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. This means that you can get whooping cough if you are in close contact with someone who is coughing or sneezing.

The whooping cough vaccine is given as a series of shots, starting at 2 months of age. The vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. Side effects from the vaccine are usually mild and may include soreness at the injection site, fever, and fussiness.

The whooping cough vaccine is an important part of your child's immunization schedule. It is important to get your child vaccinated according to the recommended schedule to help protect them from this serious illness.

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other things you can do to help prevent the spread of whooping cough. These include:

* Avoiding contact with people who are sick.

* Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

* Washing your hands frequently with soap and water.

* Staying home from work or school if you are sick.

By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from whooping cough.