Pertussis: should we immunise neurologically disabled and developmentally delayed children?

Abstract

A total of 400 children with neurological disorders were studied to ascertain whether they had been immunised against pertussis, the reasons for non-immunisation, and the "validity" of these reasons, as judged by interpretation of the recommendations of the Department of Health and Social Security. The results for this group were compared with those for a group of 400 aged matched controls. The study group had a significantly lower rate of immunisation than controls (p < 001); rates for both groups fell sharply after 1975. A total of 192 study patients and 186 controls were not immunised. Those children with cere-

Immunisation coverage in children with cerebral palsy compared with the general population

“…An English study from 1983, which reviewed the pertussis immunisation status of 400 children with a neurological condition, found that only 19% of children with CP were vaccinated . These historical data are difficult to compare to more recent studies as at that time the UK Department of Health recommended children with CP should not be vaccinated.…”

Vaccine Coverage among Children with and without Intellectual Disabilities in the UK: Cross Sectional Study

“…First, indicators of lower socio-economic position have been associated in the UK with lower childhood vaccination coverage rates (see above) and an increased prevalence of intellectual disability [16]. Second, there is some limited evidence that historically in the UK paediatricians may have advised parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities not to immunise [17].…”