Pertussis booster added to pre-school immunisations
A pre-school booster vaccination against whooping cough
(pertussis) is to be added to the routine immunisation programme across
the United Kingdom.
The move follows a recommendation from the Joint
Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation that a combined diphtheria,
tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) be given at around four
years of age.
The existing whole-cell pertussis vaccine is given
as part of a series at two, three and four months of age. It is considered
unsuitable for use as a routine booster because of increased adverse reactions
in older children.
From 5 November, pre-school vaccines will be: DTaP
(which replaces the diphtheria and tetanus vaccine); measles, mumps and
rubella; and polio.
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