Pertussis-The Case for Universal Vaccination

PURPOSE: Does the literature support universal vaccination of adolescents and adults, reducing disease incidence in infants and young children? DESIGN & 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. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Missed or late doses mean an increase in likelihood of contracting pertussis, supporting full vaccination for children and boosters for adolescents/adults.