Preventing the Spread of Pertussis in Pediatric Healthcare Settings

Abstract

The surge in pertussis incidence in recent years underscores a critical need for effective plans to prevent transmission in pediatric healthcare settings. Adolescents and adults are common sources of infection for unimmunized or incompletely immunized infants and children with waning immunity. Despite documented outbreaks being limited in size, pertussis poses a threat to pediatric healthcare facilities due to the risk for widespread transmission, potentially severe complications among vulnerable patient populations, and high outbreak control-related costs. Healthcare personnel, visitors, and parents have been identified as sources of outbreaks, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent transmission in these settings. This comprehensive review demonstrates that the risk of pertussis transmission in pediatric healthcare settings warrants heightened focus on strategies to recognize disease earlier, improve diagnostic evaluation, and facilitate effective contact tracing and post-exposure prophylaxis measures. This review suggests that healthcare personnel can play a significant role in the prevention of healthcare-associated pertussis.

Attitudes of Healthcare Personnel towards Vaccinations before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Vaccine hesitancy is defined as disinclination or refusal to be vaccinated against VPDs despite the availability of vaccines, and was recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the top 10 global health threats of 2019 [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Outbreaks due to VPDs continue to occur in various healthcare settings globally, threatening patients, HCP, and healthcare services [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Indeed, compliance with recommendations for vaccination among HCP is often suboptimal [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

Low tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine coverage among healthcare workers in a quaternary university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil: need for continuous surveillance and implementation of active strategies

“… 9 Therefore, HCWs could be a source of pertussis nosocomial outbreaks. 10 Recommendations on Tdap vaccination for HCWs vary by country. Some countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Germany, and United Kingdom adopted Tdap vaccination for all HCWs, while others, such as Austria, Finland and Norway introduced Tdap only for HCWs who have contact with newborns and infants.…”

The impact of COVID-19 and masking practices on pertussis cases at a large academic medical center (2019-2021)

“… 1 , 2 When patients seek care, the risk of transmission (R0 = 12-15) 2 to other patients and healthcare workers (HCW) can be high. 1 , 2 This risk results in increased costs to health care facilities due to investigation, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and post exposure treatment and care. 1 , 3 …”

“… 1 , 2 This risk results in increased costs to health care facilities due to investigation, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and post exposure treatment and care. 1 , 3 …”