Implementation of Cocooning against Pertussis in a High-Risk Population

Abstract

Background. In 2006, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination of all caregivers of infants aged <1 year (“cocooning”) to prevent pertussis-related complications and deaths. We implemented cocooning in a predominantly Hispanic, medically underserved, uninsured population at a Houston hospital. Phase 1 (January 2008–January 2010) provided maternal postpartum Tdap vaccine; Phase 2 (June 2009–January 2010) also vaccinated infant contacts on-site.