Which statement about pertussis vaccination is correct?

Which statement about pertussis vaccination is correct?

• A. Booster vaccination is required to maintain protection.
• B. Immunity is lifelong after the primary series.
• C. Vaccination is never given to adults.
• D. Immunity is permanent after the primary series.

Answer: (A)

Immunity from pertussis vaccination wanes over time, so ongoing protection relies on booster doses. The initial vaccine series in children (DTaP) does not provide lifelong immunity; protection declines over several years, making a Tdap booster important for adolescents and adults to maintain protection and help prevent transmission, especially to newborns. Adults can and should receive a booster if they haven’t had one, and boosters are given during pregnancy to help protect the infant after birth. Because of waning immunity, the statement that boosters are required to maintain protection is correct, while immunity is not permanent and adults are indeed eligible for vaccination.

Immunity from pertussis vaccination wanes over time, so ongoing protection relies on booster doses. The initial vaccine series in children (DTaP) does not provide lifelong immunity; protection declines over several years, making a Tdap booster important for adolescents and adults to maintain protection and help prevent transmission, especially to newborns. Adults can and should receive a booster if they haven’t had one, and boosters are given during pregnancy to help protect the infant after birth. Because of waning immunity, the statement that boosters are required to maintain protection is correct, while immunity is not permanent and adults are indeed eligible for vaccination.