In France, as in all countries with high vaccination coverage, pertussis affects children very little but affects, on the one hand, infants who are not yet protected by vaccination and, on the other hand, adolescents or adults who are likely to infect very young infants. However, recently, the Pasteur Institute warned us against a return of the disease. “Studies have recently shown an increased incidence in adults, which can infect babies” underlined the Institut Pasteur. In infants, whooping cough can be particularly dangerous and even fatal.
Alerted on the subject, the High Council of Public Health (HCSP) has therefore decided on the advisability of practicing booster shots against pertussis vaccine in adults.
Whooping cough vaccine: first booster at age 25
The new vaccination schedule for adults now provides for reminders on a fixed date (at 25, 45 and 65) and no longer every 10 years. Also, the HCSP recalls that within the framework of this new vaccination schedule in force, the booster recommended at the age of 25 must include that against whooping cough (TcaPolio vaccine), “unless the person has received a dose of pertussis vaccine. for less than five years “.
The HCSP also recommends that people previously vaccinated against pertussis in adulthood for more than 10 years be revaccinated if they plan to have a baby or if they are going to be in close and regular contact with a baby less than 6 months old. (this also concerns grandparents).
Finally, for health and early childhood professionals, the High Council recommends that boosters administered at the age of 25, 45 and 65 now include the pertussis valve (TdAP vaccine).
