The Present and Future Control of Pertussis

Currently, there are 2 tetanus and reduced antigen content diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccines (Tdap vaccines; called dTpa in Europe) available for the immunization of older children, adolescents, and adults [1]. These vaccines are Boostrix produced by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals and Adacel produced by Sanofi Pasteur. These vaccines are approved in the United States for only 1 booster dose in older children, adolescents, and adults (Boostrix for those ages 10–64 years and Adacel for those ages 11–64 years). However, because booster doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids are currently recommended for decennial administration, it is assumed by most pertussis vaccine and public health experts that after additional studies Tdap will be approved for routine booster doses at 10-year intervals. In this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Mertsola et al [2] examine the immunogenicity and reactogenicity profile of Tdap after a second decennial dose in young adults. Their data support the need for a decennial booster dose of diphtheria toxoid, whereas some might interpret their teta-