Pertussis Vaccine’s Protection Gradually Wanes, Study Finds
The effectiveness of the five-shot vaccine against whooping cough, or pertussis, declines by 42% annually after the final dose, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week. The study -- by researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Vaccine Study Center in Oakland -- mirrors the findings of a similar study by CDC.
- "Pertussis Vaccine's Effectiveness Wanes After Final Dose, Study Finds" (Bardin, "Booster Shots," Los Angeles Times, 9/13).
- "Whooping Cough Vaccine Loses Punch Too Fast" (Stobbe, AP/San Francisco Chronicle, 9/13).