Statement on pertussis immunization. National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

The following recommendations on pertussis vaccine from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization will appear in the fourth edition of the Canadian Immunization Guide, scheduled for publication in autumn 1993. These revised recommendations represent a major change in vaccine usage and take account of the current understanding of adverse events associated with use of pertussis vaccine. Most adverse events are no longer contraindications to further immunization; only anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose remains an absolute contraindication to pertussis immunization. Other adverse reactions for which there are no sequelae or that have not been proven to be caused by the vaccine are no longer considered valid reasons for withholding immunization. It is hoped that simplification of the contraindications will improve vaccine utilization and achieve higher levels of age-appropriate immunization.