Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Infectious Disease Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Infectious Disease related questions and content

Pertussis vaccination should begin at which age?

  • A. Birth
  • B. 2 months
  • C. 6 months
  • D. 12 months
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The acellular pertussis vaccine is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics beginning at age 6 weeks. Infants are at greater risk for complications of pertussis. The vaccine is not given after age 7 years, when the risks of the vaccine become greater than those of pertussis. The first dose is usually given at the 2-month well-child visit. Infants are highly susceptible to pertussis, which can be a life-threatening illness in this age group.