Which population is particularly vulnerable to severe complications from whooping cough?

Infants are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from whooping cough, also known as pertussis, due to their immature immune systems and smaller airways. When infants contract whooping cough, they may experience more severe symptoms compared to older populations, leading to complications such as pneumonia, seizures, and even hospitalization. The condition can progress rapidly in infants, resulting in a higher risk of serious health issues, including respiratory failure.

Vaccination efforts primarily target infants and young children to prevent the disease; given that this age group cannot be fully vaccinated until a certain age, they remain at high risk during the early months of life. Additionally, maternal vaccination during pregnancy helps provide some immunity to newborns, underlining the importance of protecting this vulnerable population. Therefore, the heightened risk of severe complications associated with whooping cough in infants underscores the critical need for vaccination and prevention strategies in this demographic.