Stop the whooping cough

Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is an infection that can cause severe illness in children, particularly in babies. Fortunately, the whooping cough vaccine can help protect your child from a dangerous illness.

Who is at risk of complications?

Children younger than age 1 are most at risk of complications due to whooping cough, with children younger than 2 months of age having the highest risk.

These small infants are the ones who whoop, which is where whooping cough gets its name. Babies struggle to breathe during a coughing fit. This causes them to inhale hard, making a whooping sound.

Good shots

Whooping cough is on the rise in our communities. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, whooping cough infections reached an 11-year high in 2025, a rise that coincides with a decline in vaccinations rates to prevent the illness, so it's important to protect your child.

Vaccinating your child against whooping cough reduces their risk of infection and can make symptoms less severe if they get sick. Two vaccines are available. The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine is for children younger than 7. The Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is for children older than 7 and adults.

Babies and young children should get the DTaP shots at the following ages:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 15 to 18 months (booster shot)
• 4 to 6 years (booster shot)

Children ages 11 or 12 should only need a one-time Tdap shot. Pregnant women should get a Tdap shot during their third trimester to protect their baby in the months after birth. Anyone caring for your baby should get a Tdap shot to prevent spreading whooping cough while the baby is too young for the vaccine.

Learn more about immunizations and vaccines

Whooping cough symptoms

What are the symptoms that your child may have whooping cough? At first, whooping cough can cause:

• Fever less than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Mild cough
• Pauses in breathing (which can be dangerous in babies).
• Runny nose

A week or two later, your child may experience intense coughing fits. These fits may cause them to vomit, have trouble breathing or feel very tired.

See your child's doctor as soon as possible if you notice symptoms of whooping cough. They can prescribe an antibiotic. These medicines work best when coughing fits have not yet appeared.