Purpose of review Pertussis is a vaccine preventable cough illness. It can be controlled by universal pertussis vaccination. Recent findings Pertussis cases and deaths in children are at a record low number. More complete use of adolescent/adult vaccine can further reduce morbidity and mortality. Summary Considerable progress in the control of pertussis has occurred over the last 75 years. The universal use of Tdap vaccines in all pregnant women will prevent virtually all pertussis deaths.