Related Experiment Videos
The influence of preschool pertussis immunization on an epidemic of pertussis
1University of Arizona, Health Sciences Center, Department of Pediatrics, Tucson 85724.
Insights
Pertussis outbreaks in Arizona were linked to incomplete childhood immunizations and physician hesitancy. Many older children and adults remain susceptible due to missed vaccine doses, necessitating improved pertussis prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pertussis (whooping cough) poses a significant public health risk, particularly for young children.
- Vaccination gaps exist among preschool-aged children and adolescents in Arizona.
- Physician vaccine hesitancy contributes to incomplete immunization coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of pertussis cases in Arizona between 1988 and 1989.
- To identify factors contributing to pertussis transmission, including immunization status and physician practices.
- To inform strategies for preventing pertussis epidemics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of reported pertussis cases in Arizona.
- Investigation of case demographics, including age and immunization history.
- Survey of physician attitudes and practices regarding pertussis vaccination.
Main Results:
- 896 pertussis cases were reported, with 55 in children under 5.
- 35% of children aged 6 months to 5 years were not fully immunized; 3 infant deaths occurred.
- 50% of infected children aged 5-14 had not received 5 doses of pertussis vaccine.
- 10% of surveyed physicians did not administer the pertussis vaccine to preschoolers.
Conclusions:
- Incomplete immunization and physician hesitancy create a reservoir of susceptible individuals, increasing pertussis epidemic risk.
- Targeted educational and vaccination strategies are crucial for enhancing pertussis control.
- Addressing parental and physician concerns is vital for improving vaccine uptake and preventing pertussis.
Abstract:
Between 1988 and 1989 there were 896 reported cases of pertussis in Arizona. Of the 781 investigated cases 55 were identified in children younger than 5 years of age. Thirty-five percent of children between 6 months and 5 years of age were not fully immunized; 3 infants died. Approximately 50% of infected children between 5 and 14 years of age had not received 5 doses of pertussis vaccine. Of the 413 physician respondents to a questionnaire, fully 10% do not administer pertussis vaccine to preschool children because of parental, personal or other reasons. We hypothesize that the reservoir of pertussis-susceptible older children and young adults is augmented by this omission of the fifth diphtheria-tetanus toxoids-pertussis vaccine. Newer educational and vaccine strategies are necessary to prevent epidemics of pertussis.