Comparison of adverse effects following immunization with vaccine containing whole-cell vs. acellular pertussis components

Abstract

The article presents comparative study of the incidence of adverse effects following vaccinations with whole cell and acellular pertussis vaccines, based on data collected in obligatory routine surveillance of AEFI in the period of 2001-2005 in Poland. Comparisons done in children less then 2-years-old show in general about twice as high incidence of adverse effects following the whole-cell than the acellular vaccine. The biggest rate of proportions (RR = 4,75) was observed for high pitch cry. There was no significant difference in incidence of the most severe reactions, including encephalopathy and nonfebrile seizures, and there was no significant difference in allergic reactions.