Texas is currently seeing a significant rise in whooping cough (pertussis) cases. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), more than 3,500 cases have been reported statewide so far this year — about four times more than the same time last year. Most cases are occurring in children, and the illness can be especially dangerous for infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

As your local healthcare provider, we want to make sure families have accurate, practical information—and access to prevention tools that work. The most effective way to protect yourself and those around you from whooping cough is vaccination. To make an appointment, call our clinic at (806) 364-7512.

“Our community takes care of each other. Making sure you and your children are up to date on the whooping cough vaccine is one way to do that—especially for the newborns and vulnerable neighbors who depend on us. If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, call us. We’ll walk you through it.”
– Candice R. Smith, MSN, CEO

What Is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by bacteria. It often starts with mild symptoms, similar to a cold:

• Runny nose
• Mild cough
• Low fever

After a week or two, it can progress to severe coughing fits that can last for weeks and make it hard to breathe. Some infants do not develop a strong cough — they may instead:

• Gasp for air
• Stop breathing
• Turn blue

This is why early protection is critical.

Why Vaccination Matters Right Now

The whooping cough vaccine (DTaP for children and Tdap for teens and adults) is the best defense against sickness. Protection can decrease over time, so staying up to date is important.

Current vaccination recommendations:

• Infants and children: Start DTaP at 2 months and continue the series as scheduled.
• Pregnant women: Get a Tdap booster during every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks, to pass protection to the baby before birth.
• Adults and teens: Make sure you’ve had at least one Tdap booster. If you know you’ll be around a newborn, get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before contact.

Even people who have been vaccinated can still get whooping cough — but vaccination makes illness much milder and reduces the odds of spreading it to infants and other high-risk individuals.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can get whooping cough, infants under 1 year old have the highest risk of severe complications. About one-third of infants who contract whooping cough require hospital care.

Other groups who should take extra precautions include:

• Pregnant women
• Individuals with chronic lung disease, like COPD
• People with weakened immune systems, like those undergoing chemotherapy
• Anyone in close contact with infants (parents, grandparents, siblings, caregivers)

How We Can Help

Our clinic offers Tdap and DTaP vaccines, as well as guidance for expectant mothers, new parents, and caregivers. If you’re unsure whether you or your child is up to date, we can help check records and schedule needed doses.

We also follow DSHS recommendations for:

• Evaluating symptoms
• Testing when appropriate
• Providing treatment and preventive medication for high-risk household exposures

If you think you or your child may have whooping cough, call us before coming in so we can take steps to prevent exposing others.

Simple Ways to Prevent Spread

• Stay home when sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, or personal items.
• Vaccinate on schedule.

These steps protect not just individuals, but the whole community.

We’re Here for You

Your health and safety are our priority. If you have questions about vaccination, symptoms, or recent exposure, we are here to help.

To schedule a vaccine or talk with a provider, call us at (806) 364-7512, or visit us at the clinic.

Keeping our community healthy starts with prevention — and vaccination is one of the most reliable tools we have.