Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
08:52

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice

Published on: February 22, 2019

Rationale for pertussis booster vaccination throughout life in Europe

Fred Zepp1, Ulrich Heininger, Jussi Mertsola

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. zepp@kinder.klinik.uni-mainz.de

The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|May 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Pertussis (whooping cough) is rising in adolescents and adults due to waning immunity, posing a risk to infants. Booster vaccinations are proposed to reduce disease spread and enhance herd protection.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Universal infant pertussis immunization significantly reduced childhood cases.
  • Recent years show increasing pertussis incidence in adolescents and adults.
  • Waning immunity post-infection or vaccination is a primary driver of this trend.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pertussis epidemiological situation in Europe.
  • To propose strategies for pertussis booster vaccinations in adolescents and adults.
  • To reduce individual morbidity and transmission to infants, enhancing herd immunity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of pertussis epidemiology across European countries.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to the changing disease pattern.
  • Consideration of European vaccination schedules.

Main Results:

  • Pertussis incidence is increasing in adolescents and adults in Europe.
  • Waning immunity is the main cause, alongside other contributing factors.
  • Varied vaccination schedules across Europe impact disease control.

Conclusions:

  • Adolescent and adult pertussis increases individual morbidity and transmission risk to infants.
  • Booster vaccinations are recommended to mitigate disease spread.
  • Strategic booster campaigns can improve individual protection and herd immunity.

More Related Videos

Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice06:32

Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice

Published on: September 19, 2016

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Smallpox01:24

Smallpox

Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Immunological Memory01:23

Immunological Memory

Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.