About Pertussis

Pertussis, also known as "whooping cough" is a bacterial infection that is especially dangerous to infants. Infants can catch pertussis through a simple cough or a sneeze. Studies show that family members and close contacts are responsible for up to 83% of infant pertussis. The best way to protect an infant from pertussis, is to make sure that people who are in close contact with the infant have been vaccinated against pertussis.

Vaccinations

The Lowell Health Department offers free Tdap (pertussis) vaccinations to adults age 19 and older. The vaccine is available on a walk-in basis every Friday from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Health Department. Other times are available by appointment. Call the Health Department at 978-674-4308 for more information.

Spread Love Not Pertussis

View or print Spread Love Not Pertussis Poster (PDF).

Additional Information

For further information about pertussis, visit the Massachusetts Department of Health Pertussis Fact Sheet or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.