This bacterial infectious disease is very contagious. The number of cases and the age of those who fall ill is strongly dependent on the vaccination coverage rate. Concomitant pneumonia caused by other pathogens, seizures, and brain involvement, which often leave permanent damage, should be emphasized as complications of pertussis.
Vaccination not only protects the infants themselves, but also prevents vaccinated children from later endangering their infant siblings.
Vaccination: inactivated vaccine, injection into the muscle.
The acellular vaccines used today contain only individual proteins and are much better tolerated than the vaccines used in the past, which consisted of whole killed bacteria. Many studies prove its high effectiveness. Repeat vaccinations are necessary due to the limited duration of vaccine protection.
Who should get vaccinated?
Basic immunization of infants and young children at the earliest possible time, i.e. immediately after completion of the 2nd month of life, is urgently required.
Vaccinating older children who have not yet been vaccinated not only protects them, but also the younger ones who have not yet been vaccinated. The same applies to adults who care for children. Close household contacts (parents, siblings, adults caring for children) without adequate immune protection (i.e., without previous pertussis disease or without vaccination within the past 10 years) should therefore be vaccinated 4 weeks before the birth of a child.
Timing of vaccination:
In infancy from the completed 2nd month of life: three vaccinations at intervals of four weeks and a further fourth vaccination between the ages of 11 and 14 months. Booster vaccinations should be given after the completed 5. until 6 years of age and after completion of 9 to 17 years of age. If the booster is given with a vaccine that also contains a tetanus or diphtheria component, the interval from the last tetanus or diphtheria vaccination should be at least 5 years, if possible, to avoid increased local reactions. However, earlier vaccination is possible at any time in individual cases with appropriate indications (birth of a sibling, pertussis contact).
Most common vaccine reactions:
Good tolerance, possibly redness or swelling at the vaccination site. Only rarely short-lasting fever.