(CHCC) — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation is actively monitoring for potential cases of pertussis or whooping cough in the CNMI after the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services reported additional cases this year.
As of March 27, 2026, there are no confirmed cases of pertussis in the CNMI. While pertussis is highly contagious, it is preventable through vaccination.
About pertussis
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads from person to person through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Early symptoms often resemble the common cold and may include a runny nose, low-grade fever, and a mild cough that can last for weeks or months.
As the illness progresses, symptoms may include rapid, severe coughing fits, sometimes followed by a “whooping” sound. Individuals at higher risk for severe pertussis include:
• Infants younger than 1 year old
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
Individuals with moderate to severe asthma
Vaccination is the best protection against pertussis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following schedule:
• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis):
o A 5-dose series for children between 2 months and 6 years of age
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis):
o At least 1 dose for individuals aged 7 years and older if the DTaP series is incomplete or unknown
o A routine single dose for adolescents aged 11–18 years old
• Tdap Booster (Adults):
o Every 10 years after completing the primary series
o During each pregnancy (between 27–36 weeks’ gestation)
Immunization Services
CHCC reminds the community to stay up to date with routine vaccinations to help prevent illnesses such as:
• Covid-19
• Influenza (flu)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
Varicella (chickenpox) DTaP, Tdap, and other routine vaccines are available at no cost to eligible
individuals through the Vaccines for Children Program, which serves children and adolescents
ages 0–18 who are enrolled in Medicaid, underinsured, or uninsured.
Vaccines are available at the following locations
• CHCC Immunization Clinic
• Children’s Clinic
• Rota Health Center (Rota)
• Lucia Chiang Villagomez Arizapa Health Center (Tinian)
Additional CNMI VFC provider locations
• Medical Associates of the Pacific
• Marianas Medical Center
• Kagman Isla Community Health
• Southern Isla Community Health
• Tinian Isla Community Health
Individuals aged 19 and older, or those with insurance, should contact their healthcare provider or clinic
for vaccine availability and eligibility.
Protect yourself and your community
Staying up to date with vaccinations not only protects individuals but also helps safeguard the entire community.
For more information on immunization services and vaccines, contact CHCC’s Immunization Program at (670) 236-8745, visit www.chcc.health, or follow us on Facebook at CHCC Public Health Services, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation and Instagram @chcc_phs or @cnmichcc/.
