Acellular pertussis vaccines have finally been licensed for use in Canada, after many years of anticipation. The whole-cell pertussis vaccine which has been used for over 50 years will ultimately be completely replaced with the acellular vaccine.
Acellular vaccines are a more purified product containing only specific proteins.
This specificity has reduced the reactogenicity of the vaccine which has been one of the major concerns regarding the whole cell pertussis vaccines. Of all the studies that have been done with DTaP vaccines there has been a striking similarity in the efficacy and safety of these products which is in marked contrast to the wide range of efficacy demonstrated with the whole cell pertussis vaccines. The main advantage of the DTaP vaccines are that they are less reactive than the whole cell vaccine, causing fewer side effects. With an improved vaccine that provides long lasting immunity and that can be given to adults, pertussis could eventually be eradicated. Currently the protection conferred by the whole cell vaccine is incomplete without booster protection at 15-18 months and 5 years of age.