Pertussis vaccine

Pertussis vaccine is a vaccine that protects against whooping cough. There are two main types: whole-cell vaccines and acellular vaccines. The whole-cell vaccine is about 78% effective while the acellular vaccine is 71–85% effective.

Types

There are two main types of pertussis vaccines: whole-cell vaccines (wP) and acellular vaccines (aP).

Whole-cell vaccines

Whole-cell vaccines are made from the entire Bordetella pertussis bacterium. They have been in use since the 1940s and are about 78% effective.

Acellular vaccines

Acellular vaccines, which are made from a part of the Bordetella pertussis bacterium, have been in use since the 1980s. They are about 71–85% effective.

Usage

The pertussis vaccine is given by injection into a muscle. It is often given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines.

Side effects

Common side effects include redness, swelling at the site of the injection, fever, and crying. Serious side effects are rare.

History

The first pertussis vaccine was developed in the 1930s and was in widespread use by the 1940s. The acellular vaccine was developed in the 1980s in response to concerns about side effects from the whole-cell vaccine.

See also

• Vaccine
• Whooping cough
• Bordetella pertussis
• Diphtheria vaccine
• Tetanus vaccine

References

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