U.S. regulators have approved the vaccine Boostrix for use in adults. That word from its British-based maker, GlaxoSmithKline.

Boostrix offers protection against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough. It was previously approved as a booster vaccine for ages 10 to 18. The Food and Drug Administration approved its use in patients ages 19 to 64.

Whooping cough can linger for weeks in older patients, who usually recover from it. But they can spread it to not-yet-vaccinated infants who can die from the bacterial infection, also called pertussis.