Recombinant pertussis vaccines (RPV), representing the latest advancements in pertussis vaccination technology, are now being implemented in medical practice.

These vaccines use genetically detoxified technology, which preserves key components of the pertussis toxin (PT) to help stimulate a stronger immune response [1]. This approach differs from chemically inactivated vaccines (Tdapchem), where the process of chemical inactivation can weaken the immune response by altering the structure of PT [2]. Studies suggest that this weakened response may be linked to the resurgence of pertussis in countries using Tdapchem vaccines [3, 4].

Clinical trials have shown that RPV vaccines can produce a more robust and longer-lasting antibody response, offering a promising option in pertussis prevention [5-11].

Tdap vaccination during pregnancy is specifically recommended to protect infants from pertussis (whooping cough). A more targeted pertussis-only vaccine, such as RPV, could potentially enhance maternal vaccination uptake [12, 13]. It may also provide an option for individuals who have hypersensitivity to tetanus (Arthus-type hypersensitivity reaction) or diphtheria vaccines or those who have received multiple and frequent doses of tetanus or diphtheria vaccines in the past [Package Insert].

A pertussis-only RPV vaccine is designed to combat whooping cough as effective and safe alternatives to currently used chemically detoxified vaccines [5-13].