A mother asks the practical nurse (PN) about the immunization schedule for whooping cough. Which is the recommended schedule that the PN should convey?

A. 1, 6, 9 months, and boosters at 12 months of age and before entering school: This schedule does not align with the current recommended DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis) immunization timeline and could lead to gaps in protection against whooping cough. B. Birth, 2 months, 12 months and boosters every 7 to 10 years: Infants are not vaccinated against pertussis at birth. This schedule incorrectly combines aspects of other vaccines and would leave the infant unprotected during the early high-risk months. C. 2, 4, 6 months, and boosters at 15 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years of age: This schedule follows the CDC-recommended DTaP series, providing early protection during infancy and reinforcing immunity with booster doses in toddlerhood and early school age, which is crucial for preventing whooping cough. D. 1 year of age, 6 years of age, and with each exposure: Delaying the initial series until 1 year leaves infants unprotected during a vulnerable period, and “with each exposure” is not part of standard immunization recommendations.