Pertussis cases down, but risk remains 6-8-26

June 8, 2026

Pertussis cases down, but risk remains

MOBILE, Ala. — So far this year, Mobile County has reported 3 confirmed cases of pertussis, compared with 78 cases during the same period last year. While this is a substantial improvement, health officials caution that pertussis is still circulating and remains a serious, vaccine-preventable illness. Pertussis can cause a lingering, severe cough and vomiting after coughing fits, and in infants and young children can lead to breathing difficulties, pneumonia, hospitalization, and rarely death.

“Seeing only a handful of pertussis cases this year is encouraging, but we cannot let our guard down,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Staying up to date on vaccine preventable illnesses is the best way to keep this progress going and protect our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Pertussis infection does not provide lifelong protection. Both natural immunity after illness and protection after vaccination wane over time, leaving adolescents and adults at risk for infection and able to spread the disease to infants. This is why booster doses are critical, even for people who were fully vaccinated as children.

“Many parents are surprised to learn that their teenager or they themselves may need a booster, even if they had all their childhood shots,” Dr. Michaels added. “A quick records check and a conversation with your health care provider can close those gaps before summer trips and camps.”

Health officials urge families to:

• Check children’s and teens’ vaccination records for DTaP and Tdap doses.
• Ask their health care provider if anyone in the household is due for a booster, especially before travel, camps, or visits with infants.
• Ensure pregnant women receive a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks, to help protect their newborns.
• Encourage adults and grandparents who have never received Tdap to get one dose and then receive a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years; adults who will be around newborns and young grandchildren should be up to date at least 2 weeks before close contact.

This “cocooning” strategy surrounds newborns — who are too young to be fully vaccinated — with protected parents, grandparents, and caregivers.

“Summer should be a time for fun and connection, not worry about preventable disease,” Dr. Michaels said. “A simple vaccine check today can help keep your whole family healthier tomorrow.”

Vaccinations are available from many local health care providers and pharmacies. Families should bring their child’s or their own immunization record to help providers identify which vaccines or boosters are needed. For more information about pertussis, contact the Mobile County Health Department at 251-690-8970 or visit www.MCHD.org.