Doctors share vaccine reminders amid Pertussis increase

Mississippi doctors are urging adults to double-check immunizations after a rise in pertussis, or whooping cough, across the state.

While no deaths have been reported, state health officials say cases have quadrupled compared to this time last year. Mississippi had 80 cases reported by mid July compared to 49 cases for the entire year of 2024. Mississippi’s cases mirrors a resurgence across the nation. The illness can cause serious complications in babies and those with weakened immune systems, but it’s also highly preventable with vaccination.

The good news? Mississippi still leads the nation in school immunization rates, but even small dips in community protection can open the door to outbreaks.

Doctors at Children’s of Mississippi and UMMC encourage parents, grandparents, and caregivers to stay up to date on DTaP and Tdap vaccines, which protect not just against pertussis, but also diphtheria and tetanus.

“We don’t just vaccinate for ourselves, we do it to protect babies and others who can’t yet,” said Dr. Mary Taylor of UMMC.

Vaccines are available at Leland Medical Clinic.