Which vaccine is primarily administered to protect against Pertussis?

Prepare for your APhA Based Immunization Test with our detailed questions and explanations. Boost your readiness and succeed on your exam day!

The vaccine specifically designed to protect against Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is Tdap. This vaccine is a combination vaccine that also protects against tetanus and diphtheria.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can lead to severe complications, especially in infants and young children. The Tdap vaccine is particularly important as it is recommended for adolescents and adults as a booster to maintain immunity, which can diminish over time after the initial childhood vaccinations.

In contrast, PCV13 is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against pneumonia and other diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. PPSV23 is another pneumococcal vaccine that protects against a broader range of pneumococcal bacteria, but it does not provide protection against Pertussis. Zostavax is a vaccine designed to prevent shingles, which is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, and is unrelated to Pertussis.

Thus, the Tdap vaccine is the appropriate choice for defending against Pertussis.

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