We are now on the threshold of a major step in reducing the incidence of pertussis and its associated mortality and morbidity in young children. Assuring that vaccines are received in a timely fashion by all children and correcting the "missed opportunities" for providing this highly effective intervention are most critical. A plan for booster immunizations must be developed for older children and adults to offer further protection of young infants through the cocoon effect that this would create for them.