Prevention
The incidence and severity of pertussis is reduced by immunisation. The pertussis vaccine is usually given as a trivalent vaccine (triple antigen) in which pertussis is combined with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines. The primary course of vaccination consists of three doses in infancy. Booster doses are recommended later in childhood and in secondary school.
Boosting adults is now strongly recommended. The vaccine is also now recommended for pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy to provide some protection for babies at birth. Those who will be caring for, or in close contact with babies, are encouraged to be vaccinated also.