New pertussis vaccination strategies beyond infancy: Recommendations by the global pertussis initiative

Kevin D. Forsyth*, Magda Campins-Marti, Jaime Caro, James D. Cherry, David Greenberg, Nicole Guiso, Ulrich Heininger, Joop Schellekens, Tina Tan, Carl Heinz Wirsing Von Konig, Stanley Plotkin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

167 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. The Global Pertussis Initiative, an expert scientific forum, was established to address the ongoing problems associated with pertussis disease worldwide. Methods. The group analyzed pertussis disease trends, developed recommendations to improve disease control through expanded vaccination strategies, and proposed solutions to barriers to implementation and support of research activities. Results. Bordetella pertussis infection is endemic and continues to be a serious problem among unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated infants. In addition, the reported incidence of pertussis disease is increasing in adolescents and adults, who not only experience a considerable health burden themselves but also infect vulnerable infants. Conclusions. Current vaccination strategies need to be reinforced. Expanded vaccination should include adding booster doses to existing childhood schedules (preschool or adolescent) and booster doses for those specific adult subgroups that have the highest risk of transmitting B. pertussis infection to infants (i.e., new parents, other contacts of newborns, and health care workers). More epidemiological studies and studies of disease transmission and the cost-effectiveness of vaccination would be valuable, and surveillance, diagnostic improvements, and educational campaigns are needed for implementation. However, as a prelude to universal adult vaccination, immediate universal adolescent vaccination should be instituted in countries in which it is economically feasible.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1802-1809
Number of pages8
JournalClinical Infectious Diseases
Volume39
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 15 2004

Funding

Potential conflicts of interest. J.C. has received grants from Aventis Pasteur to fund part of Caro Research’s work, has received grants for related research from various pharmaceutical companies, and was employed by a consultancy that has received research grants from Aventis Pasteur and other makers of vaccines. J.D.C. is a member of the speakers’ bureaus of Aventis Pasteur and GlaxoSmithKline. D.G. is an employee of Aventis Pasteur. U.H. has received recent research funding from GlaxoSmithKline and is a consultant for Aventis Pasteur, Baxter, BERNA Biotech, and Chiron Vaccines. T.T. is a member of the speakers’ bureaus for Aventis Pasteur and Wyeth Vaccines. C.-H.W.K. has received recent research funding from Aventis Pasteur and GlaxoSmithKline. S.P. is a consultant for Aventis Pasteur. All other authors: no conflicts. Financial support. The GPI is funded through an unrestricted educational grant provided by Aventis Pasteur SA and Aventis Pasteur MSD SNC.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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