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Whooping Cough Combination Vaccine Approved

On May 3, 2005 GlaxoSmithKline announced the FDA approval of Boostrix®, a combination vaccine consisting of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis. This is the first combination vaccine that will help protect adolescents against pertussis (whooping cough). Boostrix® is a single booster dose for adolescents 10-18 years of age. After five to 10 years, childhood immunizations received become less effective, thereby leaving adolescent patients vulnerable to pertussis. Pertussis is a highly communicable disease that affects the respiratory tract. It is usually seen in infants and is generally less severe in adolescents. Symptoms include those seen with the common cold, runny nose, and cough. The cough will progress to a high-pitched “whoop” and can then result in vomiting. Adolescents usually do not present with the “whoop” heard commonly in infants, which can then make diagnosis hard.

Boostrix® will provide an immune response to tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Common side effects include injection site reactions (pain, redness, and swelling), headaches, fever, and fatigue soon after the injection. At least five years should have passed since the last recommended series of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis was given in childhood before Boostrix® can be administered. The length of immunity that Boostrix® provides is not known.

References:

1. www.fda.gov

2. GlaxoSmithKline Press Release, May 3, 2005.

Kelly Ellis, Pharm.D. Candidate