While the disease is most common among adults and adolescents, it's potentially fatal when contracted by very young children. Unfortunately, it's easy for grown-ups to unwittingly pass on pertussis since symptoms start out like a typical cold, eventually leading to severe and often uncontrollable coughing complete with the signature whoop-sounding gasp for air.

As a result, the CDC is urging everyone who hasn't had a whooping cough vaccination since the age of 18 to get a booster shot—especially adults who come into regular contact with children and babies. New York Senator Charles Schumer has also requested that the federal government work with local officials to make the vaccine available for free throughout the country.

Personally, I don't remember what shots I got prior to the age of 18. As immunization requirements vary by state, country and especially time periods, I can't assume anything. And I don't think I've gotten any vaccinations as an adult save for a flu shot. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases recommends one booster of Whooping Cough/Tetanus/Diphtheria (Tdap) for every adult between the ages of 19 and 64. This year seems like a very good time to get myself one.