Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria that is transmitted through coughing. It manifests as an extremely exhausting cough and can lead to lasting pulmonary and neurological sequelae. Whooping cough is often associated with ear infections.

Prevention of whooping cough relies primarily on vaccination, which provides complete protection against the disease. However, as this protection is not permanent, booster shots are necessary throughout life.

Vaccination schedule

• Vaccination: 2 months, 4 months, 11 months
• Booster: 5–6 years, 15–16 years, then every 10 years

The acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine is injectable and most often administered as a combination vaccine with diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib, polio, and hepatitis B (D, T, aP, Hib, IPV, HepB).

The first dose is administered at 2 months. It is followed by a second dose at 4 months and a third dose at 11 months. Booster doses are then administered at 5-6 years and 15-16 years, then every 10 years.

The vaccine is also recommended for pregnant women in their second or third trimester (between the 13th and 26th week of gestation), but it can be administered up to the 36th week (or at the latest 2 weeks before delivery).