Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccine Found Effective Only for a Few Years

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Highlights

• Researchers from the University of Toronto carried out a study to understand the effectiveness of acellular pertussis vaccine.
• The vaccine lowered incidence of pertussis in Canada
• The immunity provided by the vaccine lasts only for a period of 3 years with loss of immunity after 7 years.

The vaccine that is currently available for pertussis is highly effective for a period of three years, after which its effect dwindles, says a study by researchers from The University of Toronto.

Dr. Natasha Crowcroft from The University of Toronto adds "Despite waning immunity of the whooping cough vaccine, it's important to note that the number of cases of pertussis in Canada is still quite low. The most effective way parents can prevent whooping cough is to have their children immunized on time."

‘Vaccination at the right time could prevent infection.’

The Pertussis Vaccine

The pertussis vaccine is an acellular vaccine, as it does not contain the full organism, and is used to protect against a bacterial infection that is spread by coughing or sneezing.

The current vaccine has been used in Canada since 1997 and also used in other countries like Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America. It is administered to children, teenagers, infants and adults to prevent the incidence of pertussis.

Symptoms of Pertussis

Pertussis is also called the whooping cough because of the characteristic whoop that is heard when the patient coughs. The initial symptoms include

• Mild fever
• Low grade runny nose
• Occasional cough

As the condition advances it can lead to

• Exhaustion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Characteristic whoop during persistent cough

Vaccination Chart for Infants

Infants should be protected against whooping cough to avoid the severe infection that it can lead to. The following is the time of vaccination for infants

• At 60 days after birth
• At 120 days after birth
• At 180 days after birth
• Between 1 year 3 months to 1 and a half years.
• Between 4 to 6 years

Though the current research by Dr. Crawford shows that the effectiveness of the vaccine could wane over time, she is quick to add that she doesn't want anyone to avoid taking the vaccine altogether.

(http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/signs-symptoms.html)Source: Medindia

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