By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Colorado is experiencing a significant resurgence of whooping cough, or pertussis, with over 930 cases reported in 2024 and 2025, a sharp increase after reaching pandemic-era lows. State health officials attribute this rise to declining school vaccination rates and waning immunity, as a notable portion of reported cases involve vaccinated individuals. While vaccination remains the most effective prevention, breakthrough infections can occur, and health experts emphasize the importance of booster doses to maintain protection against the highly contagious disease.
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Colorado is currently experiencing a concerning uptick in whooping cough cases, a stark contrast to the pandemic-era lows that offered a brief respite from this highly contagious bacterial infection. This resurgence signals a troubling trend, especially when considering the significant role of vaccination in preventing such outbreaks. It appears that while the pandemic may have suppressed cases for a time, the underlying factors contributing to their potential return are now becoming more apparent.
One of the most critical observations regarding this increase is the strong correlation with vaccination rates. Reports indicate that a significant majority of children affected by recent whooping cough outbreaks have been unvaccinated. This isn’t a new phenomenon; for decades, vaccines have been the primary defense against diseases like whooping cough, drastically reducing their incidence and severity. The current situation in Colorado seems to underscore this historical success, as declining vaccination rates appear to directly fuel the rise in cases.
The data from Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) paints a clear picture. Vaccination rates for key components of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccines have seen a notable decrease since the 2019-2020 school year. Specifically, rates have dropped by 2.9% for DTaP and 3.3% for Tdap. This downward trend in immunization coverage is a direct precursor to the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough.
The reasons behind this decline in vaccination rates are multifaceted, often stemming from a growing mistrust in medical science and established expertise. This erosion of confidence can be influenced by various societal factors, leading individuals to question the recommendations of public health officials and medical professionals. When people begin to doubt the efficacy and safety of vaccines, the collective immunity that protects entire communities starts to weaken, creating vulnerabilities for diseases that were once under firm control.
The experience of contracting whooping cough can be truly harrowing, even for adults. Individuals describe coughing fits so severe that they can lead to broken ribs, torn abdominal muscles, and ruptured blood vessels in the eyes and face, causing temporary blindness. For infants, the illness is particularly perilous, with the characteristic “whoop” sound occurring as they struggle to inhale between violent coughing fits, often leading to suffocation, vomiting, and the need for intensive medical intervention. The memory of such a debilitating illness, or witnessing it in a loved one, highlights the profound importance of preventative measures.
It’s important to acknowledge that while the acellular pertussis vaccines used today are generally safe and highly effective, historical concerns surrounding older vaccine formulations did exist. The original “whole cell” pertussis vaccines, while instrumental in bringing the disease down, did carry a higher risk of side effects such as fever, soreness, and seizures. This understandably caused alarm. However, modern vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and refinement, and the benefits of vaccination in preventing severe illness and death far outweigh the minimal risks associated with current formulations.
The current situation presents a stark choice. On one hand, we have the potential for children to suffer from a disease that is largely preventable with a simple vaccination. On the other hand, there’s the hesitancy and refusal to vaccinate, often driven by misinformation or unfounded fears. The argument often boils down to a difficult question: would one rather have a child who might develop a condition on the autism spectrum (a link that has been scientifically disproven) or a child who could die from a preventable disease? The overwhelming consensus from the scientific and medical communities is that vaccination is not only safe but essential for child survival and well-being.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that the impact of declining vaccination rates extends beyond individual children. When herd immunity weakens, the entire community becomes more susceptible, including those who are too young to be vaccinated or individuals with compromised immune systems who cannot receive certain vaccines. This collective vulnerability increases the risk of outbreaks that can strain healthcare resources and lead to preventable suffering and loss of life.
The rise in whooping cough cases in Colorado is a clear signal that complacency is not an option. It serves as a potent reminder of the hard-won progress made in public health and the ongoing need for vigilance and informed decision-making. Encouraging vaccination, dispelling misinformation, and fostering trust in medical expertise are vital steps in ensuring that diseases like whooping cough remain a relic of the past, rather than a recurring threat to our communities. The collective health of our population depends on it.