WHAT TO WATCH FOR …
Early (first 1-2 weeks)
- Running or stuffed-up nose
- Persistent mild cough
- A pause in breathing in babies
Late (after 1-2 weeks):
- Spasmodic coughing fits
- Vomiting
WHOOPING COUGH CAN LEAD TO …
Babies younger than one year old may develop:
- Pneumonia
- Seizures
- Brain damage
Since 2010, up to 20 babies have died each year from whooping cough in the United States.
HOW TO AVOID IT
- Children should get five doses of DTaP for best protection, one each at the following ages: two months, four months, six months, 15-18 months, 4-6 years
- Pregnant women should get a Tdap shot in their third trimester
- Up-to-date immunization for anyone who will be in contact with your baby
RESOURCES
- Learn more from the CDC about pertussis and the whooping cough vaccination.
- Deschutes County Health Department’s information about whooping cough
- Infection prevention experts in our community offer their perspective.
- Check out the Oregon Health Authority’s interactive map of vaccination rates for K-12 schools.
WHERE TO GET VACCINATED
- Call your primary care provider. Don’t have a primary care provider? Visit our St. Charles website to learn more about our family care clinics in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras and La Pine.
- Call your county health department:

St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, Sisters and La Pine. St. Charles is a private, not-for-profit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,200 caregivers.
Phone: 541-382-4321
webmaster@stcharleshealthcare.org
https://www.stcharleshealthcare.org/
2500 NE Neff Road, Bend, OR 97701, United States