Which statement about pertussis prevention is true?

• A. Immunization against pertussis is given as a separate vaccine not included in the tetanus shot, and close contacts are treated with a macrolide.
• B. Only antibiotic therapy is needed.
• C. Tetanus vaccine covers pertussis.
• D. No immunization exists.

Answer: (A)

Preventing pertussis relies on vaccination that is part of a tetanus-containing vaccine. In children this is given as DTaP and later as Tdap for adolescents and adults, so the pertussis protection is included in the same shot as tetanus and diphtheria, not as a separate vaccine. For those exposed to pertussis, close contacts should receive a macrolide antibiotic for post-exposure prophylaxis to reduce the chance of onward transmission, regardless of vaccination status. Antibiotics can help, but vaccination provides the main protection against getting pertussis in the first place. The idea that tetanus vaccine alone covers pertussis or that no immunization exists is not correct.