When Sarah Maack from Sartell was pregnant with her son, Gus, her obstetrician strongly recommended that she and others who might be caring for her baby receive a booster shot for pertussis (whooping cough).

This advice is more important than ever with pertussis at epidemic levels, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. Vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing serious illness and death due to pertussis.

“Unfortunately, very young babies are most at risk for whooping cough because they have not received adequate immunization,” said Jill Amsberry, DO, pediatrician with CentraCare Clinic – Women & Children. “That is why it is so important for those caring for babies less than one year of age to get their pertussis booster.”