title: How are the sub-unit pertussis vaccines to be evaluated?
abstract: Although an effective whooping cough vaccine has been available in the UK since the 1950s, its current association with neurotoxicity has resulted in poor uptake: as a consequence major epidemics (with significant morbidity and mortality) are still being experienced. Component (sub-unit) vaccines, which incorporate those antigens thought to be concerned with generating a protective effect, have been developed and are now available for field testing. This paper addresses how such a vaccine might be evaluated, the organization of a trial and the difficulties to be expected.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Manchester University Medical School, UK.
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Baxter
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Gibbs
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000592:standards*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D014611:Vaccination; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D010567:Pertussis Vaccine