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Pertussis Vaccination: Protection Against Whooping Cough

The pertussis vaccination protects against whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is recommended for infants, children, and adults.

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Things worth knowing about "Pertussis vaccination"

The pertussis vaccination protects against whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is recommended for infants, children, and adults.

What is the Pertussis Vaccination?

The pertussis vaccination protects against whooping cough (pertussis), a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract caused by Bordetella pertussis. It is one of the most important childhood vaccinations and is also recommended for adolescents, adults, and especially pregnant women.

How Does the Pertussis Vaccine Work?

Modern pertussis vaccines used in most countries are acellular pertussis vaccines (aP). They contain purified components of the bacterium rather than live or killed whole bacteria. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce specific antibodies against pertussis toxin and other bacterial proteins, enabling the body to respond quickly and effectively if exposed to the actual pathogen.

The pertussis vaccine is typically administered as a combination vaccine that simultaneously protects against several diseases, such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and hepatitis B (DTaP or Tdap combination vaccines).

Who Should Receive the Pertussis Vaccine?

Infants and Young Children

Health authorities such as the WHO and national immunization programs recommend starting the pertussis vaccine series in early infancy. A typical schedule includes:

First dose at 2 months of age
Second dose at 4 months of age
Third dose at 6 months of age (or between 11 and 14 months depending on the vaccine used)

Preterm infants (born before 37 weeks of gestation) may require an additional early dose.

Children and Adolescents

Booster doses are recommended at school age:

At 4 to 6 years of age
At 11 to 18 years of age (combined with tetanus and diphtheria)

Adults

Adults who have not received a recent pertussis vaccine should get a one-time booster dose, particularly those who are in close contact with infants. Health authorities recommend using a Tdap combination vaccine for the next scheduled tetanus or diphtheria booster.

Pregnant Women

A special recommendation applies to pregnant women: vaccination is recommended during each pregnancy, ideally between weeks 27 and 36 of gestation. Antibodies produced by the mother are transferred to the fetus through the placenta, providing the newborn with protection in the first weeks of life before the infant can be vaccinated.

Side Effects of the Pertussis Vaccine

The pertussis vaccine is generally well tolerated. Common, usually mild side effects include:

Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site
Mild fever
Fatigue and general discomfort
Irritability in infants

Serious side effects are very rare. Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) occur in exceptional cases and are typically recognized and managed immediately in the medical setting.

How Long Does Protection Last?

Protection from the pertussis vaccine wanes over time. Studies indicate that immunity may decrease after approximately 4 to 12 years. This is why regular booster vaccinations are necessary to maintain adequate protection throughout life.

Why is the Pertussis Vaccination so Important?

Whooping cough can be life-threatening in infants and lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, respiratory arrest, or brain damage. A high vaccination rate in the population also protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns in the first weeks of life. The vaccination is therefore a central tool of infection prevention and public health.

References

World Health Organization (WHO): Pertussis vaccines - WHO position paper. Weekly Epidemiological Record, 2015;90(35):433-460. Available at: https://www.who.int/wer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccination. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/vaccination.html
Mattoo S, Cherry JD: Molecular Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, and Clinical Manifestations of Respiratory Infections Due to Bordetella pertussis and Other Bordetella Subspecies. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 2005;18(2):326-382.

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