infections
Pertussis
Prevention of Pertussis
Children are routinely vaccinated against pertussis. The Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine is usually combined with vaccines for diphtheria (D) and tetanus (Ta) as DTaP. DTaP is given at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, at 15 to 18 months, and at 4 to 6 years ( see Figure: Antibiotics are given to certain groups of people after they have been exposed to a person with pertussis—whether they have been vaccinated or not. These antibiotics (called postexposure antibiotics) are given within 21 days after the person with pertussis first developed a cough to the following: Household contacts (people who live in the same housing unit) of a person who has pertussis Postexposure antibiotics are also given to certain other high-risk people within 21 days of exposure to a person with pertussis: Infants under 12 months old Women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy All people with health conditions that might be made worse by pertussis (such as moderate to severe asthma, chronic lung disease, or disorders that weaken the immune system) People who have close contact with infants under 12 months old, pregnant women, or people with conditions that may result in severe illness or complications if they were infected All people in settings that include infants under 12 months old or women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy (as occurs in child care centers, maternity wards, and neonatal intensive care units) The antibioticerythromycin(or sometimesclarithromycinorazithromycin) is given as a preventive measure. For infants under 1 month old,azithromycinis preferred. If children under 7 years of age have received fewer than 4 doses of vaccine and they have close contact with someone who has pertussis, they should also be vaccinated. 