Communicable Disease Control
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
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Welcome to the information hub regarding pertussis (also known as Whooping Cough) in Kern County and beyond. News, prevention information, medical guidelines for health professionals and additional resources are available on this page. All information is updated as new material is available.
District Clinic Locations and Flu Vaccine Availability.
General Information Updated 07/14/2010 (click to expand)
Pertussis (also known as Whooping Cough) is a bacterial respiratory illness characterized by severe spasms of coughing that can last for several weeks or even for months. Pertussis is usually spread from person to person when a person coughs or sneezes. Before the introduction of vaccination in the 1940s, pertussis was a frequent cause of serious illness and death among infants and young children in the United States.
Children need five doses of DTaP by kindergarten (ages 4-6) and a Tdap booster at age 11 or 12. Tdap boosters are also recommended for teens and adults ages 65 years and younger.
Adults need a tetanus/diphteria (Td) booster every 10 years after the primary series has been completed. For adults, age 18–64 years old, a 1-time dose of Tdap for protection from pertussis is recommended to replace the next Td. Intervals of 2 years or less between Td and Tdap is suggested, but not required.
Children need five doses of DTaP by kindergarten (ages 4-6) and a Tdap booster at age 11 or 12. Tdap boosters are also recommended for teens and adults ages 65 years and younger.
Adults need a tetanus/diphteria (Td) booster every 10 years after the primary series has been completed. For adults, age 18–64 years old, a 1-time dose of Tdap for protection from pertussis is recommended to replace the next Td. Intervals of 2 years or less between Td and Tdap is suggested, but not required.
- Whooping Cough Brochure - English
- Whooping Cough Brochure - Spanish
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Pertussis Disease Questions and Answers (CDC)
Information about Pertussis and infants, vaccination, prevention and more.
- Students: Protect Yourself and Your Children from Whooping Cough (PDF, New Window)
- Pregnant Women: Whooping Cough is on the Rise (English & Spanish, PDF, New Window)
- Grandparents: Protect Yourelf from Pertussis (PDF, New Window)
- Grandparents: Protect Yourelf from Pertussis (Spanish, PDF, New Window)
Doctor's Corner Updated 07/14/2010 (click to expand)
- Pertusiss (Whooping Cough)
- CDPH Pertussis - June 2010
- CSTE Effectiveness of Postpartum Tdap
- California Pertussis Summary Report - 6/30/2010
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CDPH Quicksheet: Pertussis (PDF, New Window)
CDPH document on clinical case definition, clinical symptoms, modes of transmission, and more.
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CDPH: Pertussis Laboratory Testing, California (PDF, New Window)
Laboratory testing for pertussis information from the California Dept. of Public Health.
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Clinical Guidance for Pertussis in Young Infants
Clinical guidance for clinicians providing care for infants with pertussis.
- Pertussis Advisory for Providers (PDF, New Window)
- Pertussis Advisory for Providers (Spanish, PDF, New Window)
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Tetanus Prophylaxis (PDF, New Window)
A one page color poster about Tetanus Prophylaxis in Wound Management.
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Parapertussis Q&A, Wisconsin, DHFS, 12-04
Facts about parapertussis, which is similar to pertussis, but is typically milder.
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ACIP Recommendation on Tdap for Adolescents, 3-2006
Vaccine recommendations for preventing pertussis in adolescents.
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ACIP Recommendation on Tdap for Adults, 12-2006
Vaccine recommendations for preventing pertussis in adults.
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CDC Guidelines for the Control of Pertussis Outbreaks
Link to CDC guidelines for public health officials and healthcare workers in their efforts to prevent the spread of pertussis.
Click Here to View Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Videos
Whooping cough breaks out in California (Video)
CDPH Pertussis Radio PSA | Spanish
Whooping cough breaks out in California (Video)
CDPH Pertussis Radio PSA | Spanish
