Pertussis-the case for universal vaccination.
OBJECTIVE
Does the literature support universal vaccination of adolescents and adults, reducing disease incidence in infants and young children?


METHODS
An extensive literature review and a meta-analysis of four case-control studies, evaluating effects of missed or late vaccine doses, was conducted.


RESULTS
The literature confirms (a) increasing pertussis rates; (b) adults and adolescents are the primary carriers; (c) vaccine effectiveness wanes over time; and (d) pertussis persists despite disease control efforts.


CONCLUSIONS
Missed or late doses mean an increase in likelihood of contracting pertussis, supporting full vaccination for children and boosters for adolescents/adults.
Rittle
Chad
C
RN-BSN and MSN Programs, Nursing Department, Waynesburg University, Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, USA. rittle99@yahoo.com
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007117:Immunization, Secondary / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult
D010567:Pertussis Vaccine