Calls for routine cough vaccines
Routine pertussis vaccination should be considered for elderly Australians as rates of the disease in older adults rise, researchers say. Pertussis – commonly called whooping cough – is a highly contagious bacterial disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. In some countries, this disease is called the ‘cough of 100 days’.
Routine pertussis vaccination should be considered for elderly Australians as rates of the disease in older adults rise, researchers say.
Pertussis – commonly called whooping cough – is a highly contagious bacterial disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. In some countries, this disease is called the ‘cough of 100 days’.
The elderly and children are particularly susceptible to pertussis. Researchers say the disease burden of pertussis in the elderly is much greater than many realise, and should prompt consideration of pertussis programs in the over 65s.
Researchers, from Sydney’s National Centre for Immunisation Research, said: “It has long been a misconception that pertussis either does not occur in elderly or is only a mild illness; however, findings over the last decade confirm that pertussis is an important cause of respiratory disease in this age group.”
They added pertussis was an important cause of respiratory disease in the elderly and outbreaks were under-recognised in aged care facilities.
Researchers say prevention by vaccination is a primary importance because treatment is of little benefit to the person infected. Immunisation would help reduce morbidity and mortality in the elderly, as well as reduce the risk of transmission to vulnerable infants.
“It is apparent that pertussis disease occurring in elderly populations represents a considerable health problem. Hence immunising the elderly adults could contribute to positive…
It is estimated the disease affects 48.5 million people yearly, resulting in nearly 295,000 deaths.
University of NSW researchers this month reported nationwide hospitalisations for pertussis in those aged 60 years and over increased from 1.3 to 4.1 per 100,000 population, between 1996 and 2006.
