Active immunization against pertussis or whooping cough is quite effective in preventing the disease. Effective prevention is achieved through ensuring high population immunity by providing three doses of pertussis-containing vaccine to all children below one year of age. 

Pertussis vaccine is killed whole cell suspension of Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis-containing vaccine is available in different combinations with other vaccines. Pertussis vaccine is safe, effective and well tolerated. The primary series of childhood vaccination is three doses with at least four weeks' interval between each dose.