Acellular pertussis vaccine for adolescents

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Whole-cell pertussis vaccine reduced childhood cases but increased adult and adolescent incidence due to waning immunity.
• A rise in pertussis cases among infants and partially immunized individuals was also noted.
• The licensure of the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for individuals over 10 presents an opportunity to manage pertussis in key demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on the effectiveness and application of the Tdap vaccine for pertussis control.
• To assess the immunological and epidemiological impact of Tdap vaccination in older age groups.
• To evaluate the economic viability of Tdap vaccine implementation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of MEDLINE database.
• Data collection restricted to January 1995–January 2006.

Main Results:

• Two Tdap vaccines are available, differing in component number but showing similar efficacy and immunogenicity.
• Vaccine-induced immunity is estimated to last 6–12 years, supporting booster recommendations for adolescents and adults up to 54 years.
• Routine Tdap use in adolescents demonstrates a positive cost-benefit ratio, though epidemiological impact is diagnosis-dependent.

Conclusions:

• The Tdap vaccine shows potential to address the resurgence of pertussis.
• Adopting a second booster dose in adolescence, replacing the double diphtheria and tetanus vaccine, is recommended for immediate implementation.