[Pertussis: current epidemiology and recommendations of the Health Council with regard to vaccination policy].

Since the second half of 1996 epidemiological data point to an increased incidence of pertussis in the Netherlands despite high levels of immunisation. This increased incidence and the availability of new, so called acellular vaccines provoked a critical reflection on the present immunisation policy against pertussis. The Dutch Health Council has recommended replacing the cellular vaccine by an acellular vaccine, and adapting the immunisation schedule.