The relevance of modifying the vaccination strategy against Pertussis to protect infants in their first year of life

Abstract

Relevance. Vaccination remains the most effective measure for controlling pertussis spread; however, immunization strategies may require revision in light of changing disease patterns. Aims . To identify current trends in pertussis incidence in the Russian Federation and propose modifications to vaccination strategies. Materials and methods . The study was based on analysis of statistical forms "Data on infectious and parasitic diseases" (Form No. 2) and "Data on populations of children and adults vaccinated against infectious diseases" (Form No. 6) for 2013–2025, as well as medical records of 535 infants who experienced pertussis during their first year of life in Moscow in 2023–2025. Results. Pertussis incidence in the Russian Federation demonstrates a sustained upward trend (average annual growth rate: 9.79 %), with infants under one year remaining the most vulnerable group, accompanied by an increase in pertussis-related mortality. Against this background, a substantial proportion of cases occurs among population groups most frequently serving as sources of infection for infants: during the study period, children aged 7–14 years accounted for 33–44 % of cases, while the share of adult cases increased (17 % nationally and 31 % in Moscow in 2025), substantiating the need for national implementation of age-targeted booster vaccination. The unfavorable epidemiological situation is exacerbated by delays in infant immunization (coverage < 50 % by the end of the first year of life) and low adherence to series completion among children following natural infection (among children who experienced pertussis in 2023, only 11.2 % continued immunization; in 2024 — 50.7 %; in 2025 — 7.6 %). Conclusions . To stabilize the situation, critical measures include: implementation of booster vaccination for school-aged children; mandatory maternal immunization to provide transplacental protection to newborns; and strict adherence to completion of vaccination series for children following pertussis infection.