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CHICAGO — Infants are more likely to catch whooping cough from their siblings than their moms, says a study with implications for how to protect them.

Previously, moms were considered the more common source of infection. The change is probably due in part to an increased frequency of whooping cough among school-aged children, the study of government data suggests.

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Infants face the greatest risk of severe illness and death from whooping cough, especially before 2 months, the recommended age for beginning a series of vaccinations against the disease, the study notes.

To protect infants, experts have recommended two strategies — vaccinating close contacts after birth, including parents and siblings, and vaccinating pregnant women, who can transfer some disease protection before birth.

The study results suggest the first option may not be as effective as hoped, so boosting low vaccination rates among pregnant women should be a top priority, the study authors said.