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Pertussis Vaccine
Vaccine schedule
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2 months
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4 months
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6 months
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1 year
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2nd grade
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8th grade
The Disease
Pertussis is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella Pertussis. The bacterium causes severe coughing fits that end with a forceful intake of breath accompanied by a sound known as a "whoop," caused by a lack of air. The coughing fits are sometimes accompanied by facial redness and bluish discoloration, and they can last for weeks or months. The disease is especially dangerous for infants and young children because of complications such as pauses in breathing (with or without coughing), pneumonia, bleeding in the conjunctiva, and acute inflammation of the brain, which can cause disability and death. 90% of deaths from pertussis occur in infants under three months of age, when they do not yet have immunity against pertussis.
The Vaccine
The pertussis vaccine is given as part of the 5-in-1 vaccine (DTaP-Hib-IPV), which also includes vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, polio (poliomyelitis), and Haemophilus influenzae type B, as part of the routine immunization schedule for infants and children. Currently, due to an increase in pertussis and polio cases, the first dose of the 5-in-1 vaccine is given earlier, at 6 weeks of age.
Additional doses of the pertussis vaccine are given in 2nd and 8th grades as part of the vaccinations given at school.
Separate vaccines are also available for situations where there is sensitivity to one of the components of the combination vaccine. You can consult a Family Care Center nurse about the possibility or need to give the vaccines separately for any reason.
| Vaccine composition | How the vaccine is given |
| Protein components derived from the pertussis bacterium | Up to age 3, by injection into the thigh; from age 3, by injection into the arm |
Impact of the vaccine in Israel: The pertussis vaccine was introduced into the routine immunization schedule for infants in 1957, and since then, the incidence of the disease has decreased by 90%. Despite this, outbreaks of the disease still occur, mainly among unvaccinated infants.
Duration of protection
The vaccine provides good protection against pertussis, but protection decreases over time. Therefore, additional vaccine doses are given at the times specified in the routine immunization schedule.
Pregnant women should be vaccinated between weeks 27–36 of pregnancy to increase the level of antibodies in their blood and transfer antibodies to the fetus through the placenta. These antibodies provide good protection for the baby after birth until the age of 6 weeks to 2 months, when babies can receive the pertussis vaccine themselves.
After receiving the 5-in-1 vaccine, which also includes the pertussis vaccine, side effects may occur. Most are mild and go away on their own within a day or two.
- Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area. Avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Fever: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Feeling generally unwell: There may be loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, prolonged crying, diarrhea, restlessness, or drowsiness. You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Extensive swelling at the injection site or of the entire limb: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area. Avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Seizures within 3 days of receiving the vaccine: Seizures are usually related to fever and are not considered dangerous, but it is important to seek medical evaluation.
When to Contact Your HMO or a Medical Center After Vaccination
- If your child seems apathetic.
- If your child has a fever that does not go away after 24–48 hours.
- If there are changes in appetite or eating patterns that do not go away after 24–48 hours.
- If seizures occur after vaccination, seek urgent medical attention immediately.
- If you notice anything that causes you concern or worry.
If your child experienced any side effects after receiving the vaccine at school - please report them to the school nurse or the school's health care provider.