Why the increase in pertussis cases?

Likely, there are several reasons:

  • Immunity decreases over time. Teens and adults that have not had a booster dose of Tdap may be more susceptible to illness.
  • Unvaccinated children
  • The current acellular pertussis vaccine is not as effective as the old whole cell vaccine, and we need much higher vaccination rates to prevent transmission.
  • Changes in testing and increased awareness. A newer test, called a PCR, has become the dominant method of testing, and it is likely we are detecting more cases than we would have in the past.

Show All Answers

1. What is pertussis?
2. Why the increase in pertussis cases?
3. When should I vaccinate?