We’ve already seen what happens when public health leaders hesitate. The U.S. dropped the ball when measles began surging, and now it's spreading across the country.

We cannot let whooping cough follow the same dangerous path.

There have already been more than 10,000 cases of whooping cough this year, including outbreaks in California, Oregon, and Washington. Infants under a year old are especially at risk, most of the deaths from whooping cough this year were babies.

The solution is clear: better outreach, updated guidance, and expanded access to vaccines.

Many adults don’t even know their immunity wears off over time. Pregnant people aren’t being told how critical a third-trimester Tdap shot is. Schools and communities aren’t being warned that teens and preteens need a booster at 11 or 12.

This illness is preventable. But unless the government takes urgent action to bolster surveillance, promote booster shots, and communicate the risks, we’re going to repeat the same public health failure we just lived through with measles.

We demand the CDC and HHS act now, before more lives are put at risk.

Photo: PBS