Pertussis: what percentage of children can we immunise?
The immunisation records of 584 children who were born between 1978 and 1982, in a general practice of average social class distribution, were examined: 3.5% of the children would have been excluded from starting a course of vaccination including pertussis using contra-indications established by the Department of Health and Social Security. A further 3.5% had reactions to immunisation that were judged severe enough to prevent completing the course of vaccination. In 1981 and 1982 13% of parents refused pertussis vaccination, considerably fewer than from 1978 to 80. Concomitantly, immunisation against pertussis rose from 51% to 84% over the five year period. Given the incidence of contra-indications and the level of parental refusal, it is concluded that a pertussis uptake of 80% would be a reasonable target for any population.
D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012306:Risk; D012923:Social Class; D014611:Vaccination; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000517:prevention & control*