Impact of acellular immunization against pertussis; comparative experience of four countries in North, Central and South America

Abstract

Introduction: Pertussis remains a public health concern despite widespread vaccination, due to waning immunity and asymptomatic transmission. The shift to acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines, aimed at reducing side effects, has changed disease dynamics, requiring ongoing evaluation.

Areas covered: We examined immunization strategies and epidemiological trends in Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama following aP vaccine introduction. Compared vaccine coverage (VC), maternal immunization (MI), and booster strategies (BS), and explored their role in disease control, including post-COVID-19 resurgence.

Expert opinion: High aP VC and MI programs have reduced pertussis in Latin America (LATAM). However, waning immunity, uneven coverage, and disrupted surveillance pose challenges. Strengthening adolescent BS, expanding MI, and improving data systems are vital for sustained control.

Keywords: Acellular vaccine; Latin America; epidemiology; immunization; pertussis.