Why does whooping cough still happen if most children are vaccinated?

Immunity from the pertussis vaccine wanes over time, and not everyone keeps up with boosters. Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals can spread the infection to babies who are too young to be fully protected yet.

My baby has a bad cough. Could it be whooping cough?

It is possible, especially if your baby is under 6 months and has not yet completed the vaccine series. See a doctor promptly. In very young babies, whooping cough can be severe and requires rapid assessment.

Disease

Whooping cough

A highly contagious cough that is especially dangerous for young babies.

Reviewed by TinyDose editorial teamLast reviewed June 2026

Illustration representing Whooping cough

What it is

A highly contagious cough that is especially dangerous for young babies.

Main symptom

Severe coughing fits that can last a minute or more

How it spreads

Highly contagious, spread through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes.

Prevented by

DTaP, DTwP, Pentavalent, Hexavalent

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a very contagious bacterial infection that causes long, exhausting bouts of coughing, sometimes ending in a high-pitched "whoop" when the child breathes in. It is most dangerous in babies under 6 months, who can stop breathing between coughs. The early Pentavalent and Hexavalent doses are designed to protect babies as quickly as possible.

Symptoms

Severe coughing fits that can last a minute or more
A high-pitched "whoop" when breathing in after a fit
Vomiting after coughing
In young babies: pauses in breathing (apnoea) and bluish skin, a medical emergency

How it spreads

Highly contagious, spread through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes.

Incubation7-21 days.

Why it's serious

Whooping cough is one of the most dangerous infections for young babies. The characteristic "whoop" may be absent in infants. Instead, watch for coughing fits followed by gasping or pauses in breathing.

Pneumonia, the most common complication
Breathing pauses (apnoea) in infants under 6 months
Seizures in severe cases
Brain damage from lack of oxygen in the most severe cases

Most at risk: Babies under 6 months are at highest risk and can become seriously ill. Older children and adults can carry and spread the infection to unprotected infants.

How to prevent Whooping cough

Vaccination is the most effective protection. Whooping cough is prevented by:

VaccineDTaPProtects against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.About the DTaP vaccine →VaccineDTwPProtects against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough using whole-cell pertussis.About the DTwP vaccine →VaccinePentavalentA single shot protecting against five infections, including hepatitis B and Hib.About the Pentavalent vaccine →VaccineHexavalentA single shot protecting against six infections, including polio and hepatitis B.About the Hexavalent vaccine →

Treatment

Antibiotics can reduce how contagious the person is and shorten the illness if given early. Young babies are usually treated in hospital. There is no cure for the cough itself; it resolves over weeks.

Common questions

Sources

Pertussis vaccines: WHO position paper · WHO, 2015.

Information on this page is compiled from authoritative public health sources and written in TinyDose's own voice. It is intended for general understanding only. Always follow your pediatrician's guidance.

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This information is provided by TinyDose for general understanding only and is not medical advice. Vaccine names, ages and doses can vary by country, brand and individual circumstances. Always follow the guidance of your pediatrician or local health authority for your child’s vaccination schedule.