Infants More Likely To Get Pertussis From Siblings

BOSTON (CBS) - Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be particularly dangerous for young babies. A new study finds that infants are more likely to catch it from their older siblings rather than their mom or dad.

While routine vaccination of kids against whooping cough is recommended to prevent the spread, experts are also urging all pregnant women to get a booster shot in the last three months of pregnancy so they can pass on some of their immunity to their newborn babies.