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Rationale for the administration of acellular pertussis vaccine to parents of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

Journal of Perinatology volume 27, pages 1–3 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Pertussis infections in the United States are increasing as a consequence of waning immunity and increased surveillance. Those most at-risk of mortality include infants less than 6 months of age and premature infants. The 2006 immunization schedule emphasizes an adolescent pertussis booster at 12 years of age. However, of concern is the current generation of parents and grandparents who will still be un-immunized and therefore, available vectors of pertussis to vulnerable neonates. Given the proximity of parents to medical care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the potential for severe disease in their children, NICU personnel should consider administration of acellular pertussis vaccine to parents of hospitalized infants.

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Author notes

  1. S Shah, M Caprio, P Mally and K Hendricks-Munoz: These authors have no relevant conflict of interest or disclosures.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York at Stonybrook, NY, USA

    S Shah

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Divison of Neonatology, New York University School of Medicine, NY, USA

    M Caprio, P Mally & K Hendricks-Munoz

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  1. S Shah
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  2. M Caprio
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  3. P Mally
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  4. K Hendricks-Munoz
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Correspondence to S Shah.

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Shah, S., Caprio, M., Mally, P. et al. Rationale for the administration of acellular pertussis vaccine to parents of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. J Perinatol 27, 1–3 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211626

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211626

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