Developments in pertussis immunisation in Japan.
In Japan acellular pertussis vaccine has totally replaced whole-cell vaccine since 1981. The vaccine is given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids to children aged 24-48 months; three doses are given with intervals of 3-8 weeks and the fourth dose (booster) is given 12-18 months after the third. There has been a steady decline in cases of pertussis and deaths from the disease since 1979. Comparison of the rates of adverse reactions to whole-cell vaccine in 1973-74 and to acellular vaccine in 1979-80 showed lower rates of fever and of local reactions with the acellular vaccine.
Kimura
M
M
Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Kanagawa, Japan.
Kuno-Sakai
H
H
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015721:Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006291:Health Policy / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013997:Time Factors; D014611:Vaccination / Q000639:trends*; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D015721:Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine