Abstract
Results of an accelerated pertussis vaccination schedule for infants introduced in 1990 in England and Wales were examined. Earlier scheduling and sustained high vaccine coverage resulted in fewer reported cases of pertussis among infants, reinforcing the World Health Organization drive for on-time completion of the infant vaccination schedule. As determined by using the screening method, the first dose of vaccine was 61.7% effective in infants <6 months of age, and effectiveness increased with subsequent doses. Three doses of a good whole-cell pertussis vaccine were 83.7% effective in children 10-16 years of age; a preschool booster vaccination further reduced pertussis incidence in children <10 years of age. As in other industrialized countries, surveillance data during 1998-2009 showed that pertussis in England and Wales mainly persists in young infants (i.e., <3 months of age), teenagers, and adults. Future vaccine program changes may be beneficial, but additional detail is required to inform such decisions.
Highlights
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Medscape, LLC and Emerging Infectious Diseases
We present data on pertussis epidemiology and vaccine effectiveness (VE) in England/Wales to assess the current state of disease control and implications for future national and international immunization strategies
Effect of Accelerated Primary Schedule Notifications of pertussis among infants continued to decline after peaking in 1990, with peaks recurring at lower levels every 3–4 years
Summary
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Medscape, LLC and Emerging Infectious Diseases. All other clinicians completing this activity will be issued a certificate of participation To participate in this journal CME activity: [1] review the learning objectives and author disclosures; [2] study the education content; [3] take the post-test with a 70% minimum passing score and complete the evaluation at www.medscape.org/journal/eid; [4] view/print certificate. Disclosure: Claudia Chesley has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. BSc, PhD; and Elizabeth Miller, FRCPath, have disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Gayatri Amirthalingam, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: served as an advisor or consultant for sanofi-aventis; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.; GlaxoSmithKline
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