Neonatal vaccination with an acellular pertussis vaccine accelerates the acquisition of pertussis antibodies in infants

Objectives Because young infants are at highest risk of pertussis complications, this study assessed whether neonatal acellular pertussis (aP) vaccination could provide earlier immunity. Study design Neonates (n = 121) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either aP or hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) (controls) vaccine at birth, followed by vaccination with DTaP-HBV-IPV/Hib at 2, 4 and 6 months. Immune responses were measured. Reactogenicity was assessed for 7 days after each dose. Results The aP birth dose was followed by few adverse events. Reactogenicity of subsequent vaccine doses did not differ between groups. Seven serious adverse events were reported from each group; none were related to…