Pertussis Information

In this section...

Pertussis (whooping cough) booster shot update

The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adolescents and adults get a booster of pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine to prevent developing whooping cough and passing it along to others, especially infants and young children, who can become seriously ill from the disease. Pertussis is now one component of the tetanus/diphtheria/acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, which in many instances, takes place of the former tetanus/diphtheria (Td) vaccine.

7 through 10 years old - Since February 2011, Northern Nevada Public Health has been providing tetanus/diphtheria/acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to those 7 through 10 years of age not fully vaccinated against pertussis and have no known severe allergic reaction to a previous pertussis vaccine; those children never vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis; or who have an unknown vaccination status.

11 through 18 years old - The Northern Nevada Public Health will continue to provide a single dose of tetanus/diphtheria/acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to those children who have completed the recommended childhood diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis/diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTP/DTaP) vaccination series.

Costs can be found at the Community and Clinical Health Services Fees page. Vaccinations are provided by appointment only. The appointment call line 328-2402 is open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  Appointments are required for immunizations. Walk-in appointments are limited to schedule openings.

19 and older - Since February 2011, Northern Nevada Public Health has been providing tetanus/diphtheria/acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine as a one time dose to any person to whom a Td was recommended. Follow up in 10 years with a Td booster is recommended after the one time dose of Tdap.

If you have questions about pertussis vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider. You can also contact the Immunizations program.

Last modified on 08/15/2023