Without question, the best way to prevent whooping cough is through immunization. The vaccine for whooping cough is extremely effective and generally has few side effects. Potential side effects include soreness at the injection site, mild to moderate fever and irritability.

Today, virtually every infant in the United States is immunized with the DTP vaccine, or its new variant, DTaP. This vaccine is provided to infants at 2, 4 and 6 months of age and provides immunization against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Booster shots often are given at 1 year, 18 months of age and between the ages of 4 and 6. The vaccine may also be combined with other childhood immunizations, in which case the schedule may vary.

DTaP is a modified version of the DTP vaccine that removes the part of the bacteria that causes fever and irritability. As a result, it has even fewer side effects than DTP, though it is not as widely used due to its greater cost.  In very rare instances, both of these vaccines can cause an allergic reaction or acute, severe central nervous system disorder. An allergic reaction will occur within minutes to hours of vaccination.

Teenagers and adults do not routinely receive booster shots of the whooping cough vaccine. However, recent studies suggest that such vaccination could reduce the number of infections and prevent the disease from spreading to infants.

Previously, there was no pertussis-containing vaccine licensed for people 7 years of age or older. However, in 2005, a booster vaccine (Tdap) was made available for adolescents and adults. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that all adolescents over the age of 11 receive a booster shot of Tdap, although they are encouraged to wait at least five years after they receive the Td (tetanus) booster vaccination. Healthcare workers and those who expect to come into contact with infants should also receive the Tdap booster. Pregnant women are advised to consult their physician about the suitability of the Tdap booster during pregnancy. Women may be advised to receive the Tdap booster shortly after childbirth. The booster may also be recommended for other adults in close proximity to infants, such as fathers, grandparents and child care workers.