title: Pertussis and pertussis vaccine. Reanalysis of benefits, risks, and costs.
abstract: Using recently published information, we examined the experience of a hypothetical cohort of 1 million children followed up from birth to 6 years of age without and with a pertussis vaccination program. Costs associated with death or lost wages were not estimated. A vaccination program reaching 90% of children would reduce disease incidence and disease-related costs by 90%. Taking into account costs associated with vaccine and vaccine reactions, the costs are reduced 82%. The ratio of overall costs without a program to those with a program is 5.7:1. The benefit-cost ratio is 11.1:1. Because we did not include indirect costs, this is a conservative estimate. Until improved vaccines are available, continued use of our present vaccines, with careful attention to possible contraindications, seems the only prudent course to follow.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000150:complications / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D010567:Pertussis Vaccine