Publication
Title
Rationale for pertussis booster vaccination throughout life in Europe
Author
Abstract
Although the introduction of universal pertussis immunisation in infants has greatly reduced the number of reported cases in infants and young children, disease incidence has been increasing in adolescents and adults in recent years. This changing epidemiological pattern is probably largely attributable to waning immunity after natural infection or vaccination. Furthermore, improved diagnostic testing, active surveillance, changes in disease susceptibility, vaccine characteristics, and increased awareness of the disease might also be contributing factors. Susceptibility to pertussis in adolescents and adults results not only in direct morbidity in these age groups, but also poses a transmission risk to susceptible non-immune infants who are often too young to be vaccinated. Because vaccination schedules vary across Europe, we review the pertussis situation in this region and propose considerations for use of pertussis booster vaccinations at different ages to reduce individual morbidity and transmission from present rates and increase herd protection.
Language
English
Source (journal)
The lancet infectious diseases. - London
Publication
London : 2011
ISSN
1473-3099
DOI
10.1016/S1473-3099(11)70007-X
Volume/pages
11 :7 (2011) , p. 557-570
ISI
000292124100023
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 31.08.2011
Last edited 15.11.2022
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