Kikhosta en risk för spädbarn. Sjukdomen cirkulerar bland ungdomar och vuxna, som därmed smittar vidare
Sammanfattning
In Sweden a cellular pertussis vaccines for infants at 3, 5 and 12 months of age were introduced in 1996. The program also consists of a booster at 5-6 years of age from 2007 and at 14-16 years from 2016. Detailed surveillance data of pertussis performed since introduction of vaccination is described. Severity in infants and measures for preventions are in focus. Pertussis has decreased dramatically since the vaccination was introduced, but we still have endemic pertussis in Sweden. Around 40 infants each year are diagnosed with pertussis and most of these are less than 5 months of age. Pertussis among infants could be further reduced by increasing awareness of pertussis in adults and adolescents and strict timing of vaccination according to schedule. Also, continued good vaccination coverage of infants is needed. A plan of action is important considering the current epidemic situation of pertussis in several European and American countries.