This is an immunization (vaccination) that protects against pertussis (whooping cough), a severe and potentially deadly childhood bacterial infection that affects the airways. Pertussis is characterized by a severe, persistent cough and whooping or crowing sound on inspiration (taking a breath).

Vaccine - pertussis; Immunization - pertussis

VACCINE INFORMATION

Pertussis is a serious illness that may last for weeks and can cause coughing spells so severe that infants are unable to breathe, eat, or drink. It can also lead to serious complications (such as pneumonia, seizures, and brain damage). It is occasionally fatal. Pertussis immunization is given as part of the DTaP vaccine. See also diphtheria immunization (vaccine) and tetanus immunization (vaccine).

Images

Immunizations

• < Page
1 2 3
• >

Next Section

Pertussis Prevention

Review Date: 06/16/2005
Reviewed By: Anuradha Banerjee, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)