Toxicokinetics of Bordetella pertussis

Pertussis vaccine immunization is required in most of the 50 states in the United States. Since it is required or recommended it is imperative that the clinician give this vaccine, crude as it is, in the safest possible environment. Giving specific active (verbal) as well as passive (written) instructions to the parent or caretakers is mandatory. If in doubt, defer or delete the pertussis portion.