How to Get a Whooping Cough Vaccination

Whooping cough or pertussis is a virus that can strike anyone. Infected people have a horrible sounding cough that sounds like they're 'whooping' for air. Whooping cough can be very serious for infants with side effects ranging from hospitalization to seizures, high fever, brain damage and death. Whooping cough is spread through coughing or sneezing. However, there is a vaccine available for whooping cough. Read on to learn how to get a whooping cough vaccination.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Contact your pediatrician or care provider. Most children in the United States get a whooping cough vaccine in infancy. While this vaccine is safe for most children, some children shouldn't get the whooping cough vaccine.

2. Talk to your pediatrician about the type of vaccine your child will get. The DPaT (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus) vaccine prevents diphtheria, whopping cough and tetanus. Some shots also combine polio and hepatitis B vaccines into this one to allow for fewer shots. This vaccine is given several times during infancy to ensure your baby is protected against whooping cough.

3. Watch for side effects. Common side effects of the DPT shot include inconsolable crying, fever, sleepiness and convulsions. Speak to your pediatrician about what to do if you see any of these symptoms.

4. Be prepared for your child or infant to cry when given the shot. Try to stay calm yourself; if you get upset, your child will only become more upset. Be prepared with something fun your child or infant can do to distract them after getting the shot.

Resources

• National Vaccine Information Center for More Information
• Dr. Reddy's Pediatric Office for More Information

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.