Depending on the study, between 15% and 52% of adults with a cough lasting more than 14 days have pertussis. For ­infants younger than 2 months or those who have incomplete vaccinations, the risk of catching this disease from emergency physicians is very real. In one study, when a source of pertussis was identified in a child, the parents or siblings were the culprit 75% of the time.

Luckily, in 2005, an adult version of the acellular pertussis vaccine was licensed. It has a lower dose of pertussis vaccine, so it confers a protective level of immunity with an acceptable level of side effects. The vaccine is combined with diphtheria and tetanus, and the combination is called Tdap.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that Tdap replace Td for routine immunizations. All children should get Tdap at age 11- 12 years; any 18-year-old patient who was not immunized at that age should get a Tdap booster.

All nonpregnant adults younger than 65 years who have not had a Td in 5 years should get immunized now. This is especially true for health care providers.

Emergency physicians can safely get a booster as often as every 2 years, or even sooner under special circumstances. While pregnancy and nursing are not contraindications to vaccination, the CDC recommends postponing Tdap until after delivery.

There are contraindications to the vaccine, including prior fever of 105° F or higher with previous vaccinations, prior vaccine–related Guillain-Barré syndrome, CNS disease, Arthus reaction to tetanus vaccine, and other signs of allergy or intolerance.

Compared with other challenges to physician health, avoiding pertussis is relatively easy. If you have not had a recent Td, get immunized. Many EDs offer the shot free of charge, and it will protect you, your patients, and your family.

Dr. Cordover is chair of ACEP’s Well-Being Committee and Councillor for ACEP’s Wellness Section.

This article was underwritten by an unrestricted educational grant from Sanofi Pasteur, ACEP’s Official Wellness Supporter.