The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
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ISSUE
1399
September 17, 2012
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Prevention and Treatment of Pertussis
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September 17, 2012 (Issue: 1399)

The CDC has reported that many states are experiencing a higher-than-usual incidence of pertussis this year. The highest incidence has been in infants, but the disease has also occurred in older children, adolescents, and adults. Thirteen pertussis-related deaths were reported through August 24; the majority of these were in infants <3 months old.1

VACCINES — The acellular pertussis vaccine now in use produces a shorter duration of immunity than the whole cell pertussis vaccine that was used in the past.2,3 The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends that children receive routine immunization with diphtheria, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months, and again at 4-6 years, for a total of 5 doses.

Adolescents and Adults – Two vaccines ... more      

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