Oregon health officials recommend pertussis vaccination for elderly and those with respiratory conditions

Recent data from the Oregon Health Authority shows that about 20% of pertussis cases in 2024 were among adults aged 18 and older. The total cases reported for those under 20 were 955, while 194 cases were in those 20 and older. Experts recommend that all individuals, including the elderly, be immunized against pertussis. However, there is no need for additional Tdap vaccine doses for those with respiratory conditions if they have been vaccinated previously. Pregnant individuals are the exception, as they should receive a Tdap shot between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect infants from serious illness.