PEDIATRICS Vol. 76 No. 4 October 1985, pp. 627-629
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Prevention of Pertussis—Are We Failing?

PHILIP A. BRUNELL MD1

1 Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio

Through the years, a system has evolved to assure that children are protected against pertussis and other infectious diseases. Its success is attested to by the dramatic decline in diseases caused by the organisms these vaccines are designed to prevent. The infrastructure upon which this system is dependent has been invisible. Components become apparent only as we become concerned about its viability. It is useful to identify each of these and attempt to assess how it is performing in order to identify specific problems.

Pertussis vaccine is one of the oldest vaccines in continuous use. It is an experiential preparation. Its use is based on the observation that a given number of injections of vaccine, which has been standardized by the vaccine's ability to protect mice against intracerebral challenge with virulent pertussis organisms, reduces the risk and severity of pertussis in those who are exposed.