Pertussis Resurgence in Europe: Incidence and Epidemiologic Cycles in Immunization Required and Non-Required Countries

Pertussis Resurgence in Europe: Incidence and Epidemiologic Cycles in Immunization Required and Non-Required Countries by Sheryl Ann Duquet MS, Wayne State University 1997 BS, University of Michigan 1993 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Public Health Walden University 2019 Abstract Although pertussis vaccines have been available for over 7 decades, countries areAlthough pertussis vaccines have been available for over 7 decades, countries are experiencing a pertussis resurgence. This study sought to establish a relationship between the European pertussis immunization schedule designs (with and without the inclusion of adolescent boosters) and the immunization requirement (recommended or required), which potentially influences immunity waning, and thus the incidence rate and epidemiologic cycles of pertussis. The theoretical foundation for this study was the theory of herd immunity. A quantitative research method was used, supported by a secondary data source. The statistical analysis included the use of linear regression to evaluate the relationship between the requirement of the vaccine and the addition of adolescent boosters on the incidence level and the length of the epidemiologic cycles. The study findings suggest that pertussis immunization, whether recommended or required, does have an influence on the incidence rate within the populations of the countries analyzed. The same influence on incidence was demonstrated in relation to adolescent boosters as part of the immunization schedule. A similar relationship was not observed between the immunization schedule requirement and design on the epidemiologic cycles. This study provided relevant data that contributes to the enhanced understanding of the relationship between the design of the immunization schedule on incidence. This understanding could help control the resurgence, reduce immune waning through adolescent boosters, enhance immunization schedule timing, and lower the incidence. The result would be a positive public health social change through improved immunization strategy. Pertussis Resurgence in Europe: Incidence and Epidemiologic Cycles in Immunization Required and Non-Required Countries by Sheryl Ann Duquet MS, Wayne State University 1997 BS, University of Michigan 1993 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Public Health Walden University November 2019 Dedication This doctoral study is dedicated to my husband, Matthew Jackson, for his endless support through the doctoral process. From the moment I decided to pursue my doctorate, he provided the encouragement that I needed to bring this educational journey to completion. I would also like to include in the dedication, my Grandmother Orena Koch, whom I lost before I could complete my doctoral degree. Her spirt has been with me throughout the final years of the doctoral process. Lastly, to Emma Duquet and Oliver Duquet for their continuous supply of love and joy. Acknowledgments I want to thank my Committee Chairperson Dr. Vibha Kumar, Committee Member Dr. Richard Palmer, and the University Reviewer Dr. Michael Furukawa for their assistance during the doctoral process. In addition, I would like to express my gratitude to the Program Director Dr. Nancy Rea, Academic Research Coordinator Dr. Tammy Root, and my Advisor Jen Rothamel for their support when it counted the most. I would also like to acknowledge my parents, Daniel Duquet and Sharon Duquet for their encouragement and support as I pursued my doctorate in Public Health.