We all want to make the best health choices for our children. So how risky is whooping cough compared to the whooping cough vaccines?
WHOOPING COUGH (PERTUSSIS) FAST FACTS
How contagious?
Highly contagious. 8 out of 10 non-immune people can get sick from 1 infected person
Children who are not vaccinated are 8 times more likely to become infected than those who are vaccinated.
How serious?
Typically mild.
But complications can lead to serious health consequences — especially in young children.
• Hospitalization: 1 in 2 babies
• Pneumonia: 1 in 5 babies
• Death: 1 in 100 babies
• Apnea or difficulty breathing: most babies and young children
Whooping cough is also known as the “100-day cough,” because it can last for months. It causes around 15 coughing spells a day that are so severe they can lead to nosebleeds and cracked ribs.
VACCINE FAST FACTS
VACCINE FAST FACTS
How effective?
DTaP is about 98% effective in children who finished the series within the last year. It is about 70% effective 5 years after children finish the DTaP series.
100 SAFETY RECORD YEARS
Safety record: Whooping cough vaccines were first licensed in the U.S. in1914. The DTaP vaccine has been given since 1991.
How safe?
Very safe. DTaP and Tdap safety reviews of Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System reports found no unexpected safety concerns for children.
MYTH FACT
Myth buster: Children with whooping cough do not always make the “whoop” sound. Whooping cough may seem like a cold at first but will start to get worse in about a week.
5 separate safety systems continuously monitor all vaccines for as long as the vaccines are given. Learn more at cdc.gov/VaccineSafety
COMPARING THE T WO
WHOOPING COUGH VACCINES
WHOOPING COUGH
Common: Mild to Moderate Symptoms or Side Effects
Symptoms can include:
• Dry and harsh cough Fever
• Runny nose
• Long-lasting coughing fits followed by a high-pitched "whoop"
• Apnea (a pause in breathing)
Side effects are mild and last 1– 3 days:
• Soreness, redness, or swelling where vaccine was given
• Low-grade fever and chills
• Fussing
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
Rare: More Serious Symptoms, Complications, or Side Effects
• Serious and uncontrollable coughing
• Pneumonia
• Convulsions
• Vomiting with increased risk of choking
• Young infants may stop breathing, resulting in death
• Broken ribs
• High fever
• Non-stop crying for 3+ hours
• Very small risk of febrile seizures if DTaP vaccine is given with a flu vaccine
• Severe allergic reaction (1–2 per 1 million doses)