Pertussis Vaccines Efficacy With the rise in vaccine-preventable diseases, people wonder: How well do pertussis vaccines protect us from whooping cough? The answer is quite amazing.
Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria and has always been a big worry for everyone.1 Since the 1940s, whole-cell pertussis vaccines have been effective in stopping the disease 70-90% of the time.2 Yet, some were worried about these vaccines’ safety. So, researchers made acellular pertussis vaccines. These contain only parts of the bacteria. They have fewer side effects.1
Major studies lately prove that both types of pertussis vaccines work really well.3 One study even showed a 95% proven pertussis vaccine efficacy rate. This is a huge step forward in keeping us safe from whooping cough.3
Key Takeaways
- Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines have demonstrated remarkably high efficacy rates, up to 95%, in preventing serious disease.
- Both whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccines are highly effective, with the acellular versions associated with fewer adverse events.
- Ongoing research and monitoring of vaccine effectiveness is crucial to maintaining robust immunity and preventing pertussis outbreaks.
- Herd immunity through widespread vaccination is essential to protect vulnerable populations, such as infants and the elderly, from this contagious respiratory illness.
- Regular booster shots may be necessary to maintain long-term protection against pertussis, as vaccine-induced immunity can wane over time.
What is Pertussis?
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a sickness caused by the bacterium3 Bordetella pertussis. It leads to intense coughing. This cough can last for many weeks and includes a unique “whooping” noise.3 Infants and young kids are the most affected, but older kids and adults can get it too.3
Highly Contagious Respiratory Illness
This illness spreads fast when people cough, sneeze, or are close to each other.3 It can be very dangerous, especially for little kids without strong immune systems.3
Caused by Bordetella pertussis Bacteria
Pertussis comes from the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It infects the nose and throat, leading to bad coughs.3 These coughs often have a whooping sound. The bacteria spread through the air, which is why it’s a big health worry.3
Commonly Known as Whooping Cough
Known as whooping cough, it gets its name from the whooping sound. This happens after a long cough, as the body tries to breathe in deeply.3 It’s hard for the sick person and those around them to hear.
Pertussis Vaccine Overview
Since the mid-1940s, the US has been using whole-cell pertussis vaccines to protect infants.3 These vaccines are quite effective, stopping 70-90% of serious pertussis cases.3 But, because of safety worries, acellular pertussis vaccines were developed. They have parts of the bacteria instead of the whole cell. This makes them cause fewer problems.3
In 1991, the US started using acellular pertussis vaccines for some doses instead of whole-cell ones.3 Studies show these vaccines are good for their job. They range in stopping moderate to severe pertussis from 59% to 89%.3
The pertussis vaccine, also called the whooping cough vaccine or bordetella pertussis vaccine, is key for protection.3 It’s a vital part of the vaccination schedule to ward off vaccine-preventable disease pertussis.3 Having many people vaccinated is very important to stop the disease from spreading.3
Whole-Cell vs Acellular Pertussis Vaccines
The debate around whole-cell pertussis vaccines and acellular pertussis vaccines continues. This shows how tricky it is to balance the benefits of whole-cell pertussis vaccine effectiveness with the problems of acellular pertussis vaccine safety. At the heart of this argument is the need to ensure both vaccine safety and efficacy.1
Whole-Cell Pertussis Vaccines
Since the mid-1940s, whole-cell pertussis vaccines have been preventing pertussis. They do this by using deactivated Bordetella pertussis bacterial cells. These vaccines are quite effective, protecting 70-90% of those vaccinated from severe pertussis.2 However, they sometimes cause issues like fever, pain, and irritability.1
Acellular Pertussis Vaccines
Looking for safer options, acellular pertussis vaccines were introduced. Made up of key parts of B. pertussis, they cause fewer problems. These ‘acellular’ vaccines have been shown, in recent studies, to help anywhere between 59% and 89% in preventing moderate to severe pertussis in infants.1
pertussis vaccine efficacy
Randomized Controlled Trials
Recent trials of pertussis vaccines in Sweden and Italy showed lower efficacy, 48% to 60%. This is less than the 70-90% seen in the US.3 The difference may be in the number of doses given, with US patients receiving five doses.3
Observational Studies
Studies on acellular pertussis vaccines in infants showed better results. They ranged from 59% to 89% in preventing moderate to severe pertussis.3 These studies were done in Europe and Africa, giving a wide view of vaccine effectiveness.
Meta-Analysis Findings
A 2015 meta-analysis looked at how long pertussis immunity lasts after DTaP shots. It provided important information about the vaccine’s long-term care.3 A 2014 study in England found that maternal Tdap vaccination can stop 78% of pertussis cases and 90% of hospitalizations in babies under 2 months.4
FAQ
What is pertussis and what are its symptoms?
Pertussis is also known as whooping cough. It is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. This illness leads to severe coughing fits. They often end with a “whooping” sound. It affects mostly infants and young children but can also harm older kids, teens, and adults.
What are the different types of pertussis vaccines?
Two types of pertussis vaccines are available: whole-cell and acellular. Whole-cell vaccines have been used since the 1940s. They mostly contain inactivated bacterial cells. Acellular vaccines are newer. They use only safe parts of the bacteria.
How effective are whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccines?
Whole-cell vaccines are about 70-90% effective in preventing severe pertussis. A consistent effort has been made to develop acellular vaccines. They show varying success rates, between 59% and 89%, for protecting against moderate to severe disease after recent studies in Europe and Africa.
What are the differences between whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccines?
Whole-cell vaccines use inactivated bacterial cells and are linked to more side effects like fever and pain. In comparison, acellular vaccines use safer bacterial parts. This makes them cause fewer health issues.
How do the efficacy rates of whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccines compare?
Whole-cell vaccines in the US have shown good results, 70-90% in preventing serious pertussis. However, studies in Europe and Africa give a lower effect of 48-60%. Acellular vaccines have a similar effectiveness, with studies showing rates from 59% to 89% in preventing moderate to severe pertussis disease.