Not medical advice. This site is general information only. In an emergency call your local emergency number. For advice about your own health, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional.
Pertussis Sweden
About Pertussis Sweden
Sweden discontinued whole cell pertussis vaccination in 1979 due to safety concerns. The decision was motivated by reports of neurological adverse events. Sweden became one of the few high income countries without routine pertussis vaccination. Pertussis cases rose sharply. Multiple studies confirmed that the whole cell vaccine was effective despite its side effects. Sweden introduced acellular pertussis vaccines in 1996 after they became available. The 17 year gap in pertussis vaccination allowed researchers to study the diseases natural epidemiology and compare whole cell and acellular vaccines. The Swedish experience provided some of the strongest evidence for the effectiveness of whole cell pertussis vaccination. The case illustrates how precautionary suspensions of vaccination can cause significant disease burden. The Swedish data influenced pertussis vaccine policy worldwide.
Related Entries
Smallpox Vaccine Jenner
Edward Jenner developed the first successful vaccine in 1796. Jenner observed that milkmaids who con...
Rabies Vaccine Pasteur
Louis Pasteur developed the rabies vaccine in 1885. Pasteur attenuated the rabies virus by drying in...
Polio Vaccine Salk
Jonas Salk developed the first polio vaccine using inactivated poliovirus. The vaccine was announced...
Polio Vaccine Sabin
Albert Sabin developed an oral polio vaccine using attenuated live virus. The Sabin vaccine was take...