Pertussis-Only Vaccine

Protecting Against Pertussis with Targeted Immunization

Pertussis (whooping cough) remains a significant public health concern worldwide, affecting people of all ages and posing the greatest risk to infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated. Despite widespread childhood immunization, immunity against pertussis declines over time, leaving adolescents and adults susceptible to infection and capable of transmitting the disease to vulnerable infants.

A pertussis-only vaccine (aP) provides targeted protection against pertussis without including diphtheria or tetanus antigens. This focused approach offers flexibility for immunization strategies where protection against pertussis is the primary objective.

Supporting Maternal Immunization

Maternal vaccination during pregnancy is an important strategy recommended in many countries to protect infants during their first months of life, before they can complete their own vaccination schedule.

Vaccinating pregnant women enables protective antibodies to be transferred to the baby before birth, helping reduce the risk of severe pertussis during early infancy.

Benefits of a Pertussis-Only Vaccine

Targeted Protection
Provides immune protection specifically against pertussis through carefully selected acellular pertussis antigens.

Flexible Immunization Strategies
Supports vaccination programs where boosting immunity against pertussis alone is appropriate, including maternal immunization and outbreak response strategies, according to national recommendations.

Reduced Antigen Exposure
Delivers pertussis immunization without diphtheria or tetanus antigens, which may be advantageous in certain vaccination policies or clinical situations.

Public Health Impact
Helps reduce pertussis transmission within communities and contributes to protecting newborns through improved population immunity.