Pertussis outbreaks in groups claiming religious exemptions to vaccinations

Four recent outbreaks of pertussis in Massachusetts illustrate some features that contribute to the increased incidence of the disease. The outbreaks involved unimmunized groups of children with philosophical or religious exemptions from school or day-care immunization requirements and children and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAmerican journal of diseases of children (1960) Vol. 146; no. 2; p. 173
Main Authors Etkind, P, Lett, S M, Macdonald, P D, Silva, E, Peppe, J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.02.1992
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use
Child
Child, Preschool
Disease Outbreaks
Family Health
Humans
Infant
Massachusetts - epidemiology
Middle Aged
Religion and Medicine
Vaccination - statistics & numerical data
Whooping Cough - epidemiology
Whooping Cough - prevention & control
Whooping Cough - transmission
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Summary:Four recent outbreaks of pertussis in Massachusetts illustrate some features that contribute to the increased incidence of the disease. The outbreaks involved unimmunized groups of children with philosophical or religious exemptions from school or day-care immunization requirements and children and adults who were reluctant to undergo antibiotic prophylaxis or therapy. Parents and physicians should be aware that failure to immunize and to cooperate in follow-up preventive measures can have public health and potential medicolegal repercussions.
ISSN:0002-922X
DOI:10.1001/archpedi.1992.02160140039017