It is unclear whether acellular vaccines would be more effective than whole cell vaccines in controlling disease. In developing countries, there is no clear evidence that the advantages of DTaP vaccines over whole cell products, justify their additional cost. In the interim, until any formal changes are recommended, health care providers should continue to immunize children against pertussis according to current guidelines and with currently available whole-cell vaccines. Immunization against pertussis should not be deferred while waiting for acellular vaccines to be approved. The whole-cell vaccines continue to provide protection against pertussis in infants and young children.
Acellular pertussis is a purified vaccine with less side effects than whole cell pertussis vaccines.
Product selection will be determined by cost, availability and ability to combine it with other vaccines given concurrently.