Disease & Vaccine A–Z

Diseases beginning with W

U.S.-focused summaries with current official guidance links. For a diagnosis, personal vaccine schedule, pregnancy advice, or urgent symptoms, speak with a qualified clinician.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Routine vaccine

Disease

A highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis.

Symptoms

Begins like a cold, then may cause violent coughing fits, a “whoop,” vomiting, exhaustion, or pauses in breathing in infants.

Typical duration

Cough can last 10 weeks or longer.

How serious is it?

Most dangerous for babies, who may develop pneumonia, seizures, brain injury, or death.

Treatment & management

Antibiotics are most useful early and help reduce spread; exposed high-risk contacts may need preventive treatment.

Vaccine: who and when?

Products include Daptacel and Infanrix (DTaP) for the five-dose childhood series and Boostrix and Adacel (Tdap) for older children and adults. Tdap is recommended at ages 11-12, for adults who never received it, and during every pregnancy, preferably early in weeks 27-36.

Check the current CDC guidance for Whooping Cough (Pertussis) →

Cost and access: Patient cost varies by insurance, provider, location, and eligibility. Many recommended vaccines are covered with no out-of-pocket cost under qualifying plans, and eligible children may receive vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. CDC price lists are purchasing benchmarks—not guaranteed patient prices. CDC price and program context.

Last reviewed against official U.S. sources: September 5, 2026. This page provides general education, not medical advice.