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Benefits and risks of immunization against pertussis
Developments in Biological Standardization
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Pertussis vaccine (DTP) significantly controls whooping cough. Declining DTP vaccination rates led to a major epidemic, highlighting the importance of immunization despite concerns about vaccine side effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The incidence of pertussis (whooping cough) in the UK over the past 30 years has been influenced by pertussis vaccine (DTP) acceptance rates.
- A significant pertussis epidemic began in November 1977, following a sharp decline in DTP vaccination coverage from 70-80% in 1973 to under 40% in 1976.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the benefit of pertussis vaccine in controlling pertussis.
- To examine the relationship between DTP vaccine acceptance and pertussis incidence.
- To address public concerns regarding vaccine hazards and promote immunization.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pertussis incidence trends in the UK over 30 years.
- Review of reported vaccine reactions, including minor, systemic, and neurological events.
- Description of prospective studies on post-vaccination reactions and a national study on encephalopathy.
Main Results:
- A decline in DTP vaccination acceptance preceded a major pertussis epidemic.
- While vaccine hazards exist (local, febrile reactions), serious neurological illnesses are not definitively linked to DTP and do not appear more frequent than in unvaccinated children.
- Ongoing studies are investigating potential links between DTP and encephalopathy.
Conclusions:
- Pertussis vaccine (DTP) plays a crucial role in controlling pertussis outbreaks.
- Public perception of vaccine risks, often amplified by publicity, hinders acceptance.
- Improved health education is necessary to underscore the benefits of DTP immunization.