Public Health urges vaccination as whooping cough increases

Child sitting up in bed, wrapped in a blanket, coughing into their arm while holding a tissue, illustrating respiratory illness symptoms. — *Whooping cough cases are rising. Keep Tdap and DTaP vaccines up to date, especially for infants and pregnant people.*

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health urges the community to take preventative measures to protect themselves against respiratory illnesses. There has been a surge in pertussis this year compared to last year in the county, with the total number of cases nearly tripling.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a serious and highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets. Symptoms of pertussis can last up to 10 weeks and may include:

Runny or stuffed-up nose

Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F) or no fever

High-pitched “whoop” sound while breathing in after coughing

Vomiting during or after coughing fits

Fatigue following coughing fits

Difficulty sleeping

Breathing struggles

Possible rib fractures from severe coughing

Cyanosis (bluish color of lips, skin or nail beds)

Infants under 12 months, specifically newborns, are most at risk, so pregnant individuals are highly encouraged to get their Tdap vaccine. It is recommended for individuals to stay up to date on their Tdap and DTaP vaccines as low vaccination uptake, particularly among children in San Bernardino County, further increases the risk of community spread.

“Infants are especially vulnerable to severe disease, which is why timely vaccination is so important,” said San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Sharon Wang. “A single dose of Tdap during pregnancy can help protect newborns before they’re old enough to be vaccinated.”

Vaccination is the best method to stay protected from pertussis. Even one dose can protect against hospitalization and death.

Pregnant people should receive the Tdap vaccine (whooping cough booster) at the earliest opportunity in their third trimester (between 27–36 weeks) of every pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy helps pass on protective antibodies to the baby before birth.

Babies and children should receive a dose of DTaP (whooping cough vaccines) at 2, 4, 6 and 15 months as well as 4–6 years of age. Children need a total of 5 doses to be protected from severe pertussis.

Preteens and teens ages 11 years and older should receive a dose of Tdap.

Adults should receive at least one dose of Tdap.

Teens who missed childhood DTaP doses should receive Tdap at their next healthcare visit. Adults who have not previously received the Tdap vaccine should get a dose as soon as possible. Adults should receive a booster dose of either Td or Tdap every 10 years to maintain protection against tetanus and diphtheria.

Residents are encouraged to ensure their families are up to date on their Tdap and DTaP vaccinations. Additional preventative measures include practicing hand hygiene, covering your coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and seeking medical care for suspected pertussis. Schedule your whooping cough vaccine today at your local pharmacy or primary care provider.

Schedule a Vaccine Appointment:

Visit myturn.ca.gov to book your Tdap or DTaP vaccine.

How to Report:

San Bernardino County Public Health:

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday–Friday: 800-722-4794

After hours, weekends and holidays: 800-472-2376

For general information about whooping cough, contact San Bernardino County Public Health at 800-722-4794 or visit the Public Health Communicable Disease webpage.

Resources:

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Pertussis

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Additional County Update News – January 8