CDC Advises Whooping Cough Shots for All, Protection Fades

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination for everyone; CDC says these vaccines work well, but protection fades over time. CDC recommends that women get Tdap during the early part of the third trimester of every pregnancy, mainly to protect babies from whooping cough in the first few months of life; babies younger than 1 year old are at greatest risk for getting whooping cough and having severe complications.

CDC says there are two types of vaccines that protect against whooping cough: babies and children younger than 7 get DTaP, while older children and adults get Tdap; the "T" means they also protect against tetanus, and the "D/d" means they also protect against diphtheria. This article follows CDC's whooping cough vaccination and recommendations pages: when to get the shots, getting vaccinated during pregnancy, what to tell your provider first, side effects, and where to get vaccinated. Everyone's health is different; if you have questions, ask your health care provider.

When to get vaccinated

CDC explains (CDC, Whooping Cough Vaccine Recommendations):

• Babies: Babies need 3 shots of DTaP to build up high levels of protection; CDC recommends them at 2, 4 and 6 months.
• Children: Children need 2 DTaP booster shots to maintain protection through early childhood, at 15 through 18 months and 4 through 6 years.
• Ages 11 to 12: One Tdap shot to boost immunity; CDC recommends that teens who didn't get it as preteens get one at their next healthcare visit.
• Adults: CDC recommends that all adults who have never received Tdap get one shot, at any time, regardless of when they last got Td.
• Every 10 years: To maintain protection against tetanus and diphtheria, adults need a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.

During pregnancy

• Every pregnancy: CDC recommends women get Tdap during the early part of the third trimester of every pregnancy.
• The main goal: Tdap also protects against tetanus and diphtheria, but the main goal is to protect babies from whooping cough in the first few months of life.

Tell your provider first

CDC explains (CDC, Whooping Cough Vaccination):

• May not be able to get it: If you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after one of these vaccines, or have a life-threatening allergy to any part of the vaccine.
• Feeling sick: Generally, vaccination is fine during a mild illness like a cold; your provider can advise whether to wait until you feel better.
• Things to mention: If you or your child has seizures or another nervous system problem, has ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), or had severe pain or swelling after a tetanus or diphtheria vaccine.

Side effects

• Usually no serious problems: CDC says most people who get these vaccines don't have serious problems; side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days, but serious reactions are possible.
• Common with DTaP: Swelling or soreness at the shot site, fever, fussiness, tiredness, loss of appetite and vomiting.
• Common with Tdap: Pain, redness or swelling at the shot site, mild fever, headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomachache.
• More serious with DTaP: Much less common than mild problems, they include seizures, non-stop crying for 3 hours or more, and high fever over 105°F; swelling of the entire arm or leg is rare and usually happens in older children getting their fourth or fifth shot.

Where to get it and cost

• Children and teens: DTaP and Tdap are routine childhood vaccines available at pediatric and family practice offices, community health clinics and public health departments.
• Adults: A healthcare provider's office or pharmacy is usually the best place; if your provider doesn't have Tdap, ask for a referral.
• No regular doctor: Federally funded health centers can also provide services; you can also ask your health department where to get vaccines.
• Cost: Most private health insurance plans cover these vaccines, so check with your insurer for costs and in-network providers; children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford vaccines can get them through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

For where to find adult vaccination records, see No National Vaccine Record Database, Ask Your State Registry; for vaccines when your child has no insurance, see Uninsured or on Medicaid, Kids 18 and Under Can Use VFC; for other vaccines to get before visiting Taiwan, see Visiting Taiwan? See a Doctor a Month Out; Hep A, B Advised.

What this article did not check

• State school requirements: CDC has separate material on Tdap requirements for child care, elementary and secondary schools; this article did not check state rules.
• Symptoms and treatment: CDC has separate pages; this article did not check them.
• Medicine after exposure: These two pages don't cover it, so this article doesn't either.

FAQ

Do adults still need a whooping cough vaccine?

CDC recommends that all adults who have never received Tdap get one shot, at any time; after that, a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years maintains protection against tetanus and diphtheria.

When should I get it during pregnancy?

CDC recommends Tdap during the early part of the third trimester of every pregnancy, mainly to protect babies from whooping cough in their first few months.

I got it in my last pregnancy. Do I need it again?

It's recommended. CDC recommends it during every pregnancy.

Does the protection last forever?

No. CDC says these vaccines work well, but protection fades over time.

Sources and date checked

All checked on 2026-11-02.

• CDC, Whooping Cough Vaccination (page updated 2026-04-30):https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/vaccines/index.html
• CDC, Whooping Cough Vaccine Recommendations (page updated 2026-07-29):https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/vaccines/recommendations.html

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