Pertussis in Portugal - time for a new strategy.
The introduction of routine vaccination against Bordetella pertussis led to a drastic decline in the number of reported cases of pertussis. Nevertheless, a gradual increase in pertussis notifications has been observed in the last years, and political vaccination changes have been conducted in some countries. Pertussis epidemiology is reviewed, taking into account mathematical models studies concerning new vaccinal strategies for pertussis prevention and new international recommendations. Regarding Portugal, the need for a "booster" in adolescence is emphasized, and other recommendations for pertussis control are suggested.
Gama de Sousa
Susana
S
Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal. susana.gama@chma.min_saude.pt
Barros
Henrique
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011174:Portugal; D014611:Vaccination; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult
D010567:Pertussis Vaccine