Pertussis primary prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Serge Korjian M.D.; Luke Rusowicz-Orazem, B.S.; Yazan Daaboul, M.D.

Pertussis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Pertussis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Pertussis primary prevention On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Pertussis primary prevention All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Pertussis primary prevention
CDC onPertussis primary prevention
Pertussis primary prevention in the news
Blogs on Pertussis primary prevention
Directions to Hospitals Treating Type page name here
Risk calculators and risk factors for Pertussis primary prevention

Overview

The primary prevention method for pertussis is vaccination using the DTaP vaccine. Five doses are recommended in children, with a booster dose recommended during adolescence/adulthood using a similar vaccine with smaller concentrations of diphtheria and pertussis toxoids known as Tdap.

Primary Prevention

Vaccines

• The most effective measure for the primary prevention of pertussis is vaccination. Two vaccines are available:

• DTaP

• A combination of tetanus, diptheria, and acellular pertussis administered to infants and children for immunization.
• A previous formulation of the vaccine, the DTP, included whole cell pertussis. The vaccine included B. pertussis bacteria that was chemically/heat treated. DTP is no longer used.
• Acellular DTaP is safer as it contains smaller amounts of pertussis endotoxin and exotoxin.
• Children should get 5 doses of DTaP vaccine, one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years.

• Tdap

• A booster vaccine called similar to DTaP.
• The lower case d and p indicate smaller concentrations of diphtheria and pertussis toxoids.
• A single dose of Tdap is recommended for people 11 through 64 years of age.

Hygiene

• Proper hygienic measures are important during outbreaks and include:
  • Coughing and sneezing into a tissue or elbow
  • Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water
  • Using an alcohol-based sanitation fluid regularly