Update on adolescent immunization: review of pertussis and the efficacy, safety, and clinical use of vaccines that contain tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis.

Adolescents, who comprise 14% of the US population, are historically resistant to receiving health care. As a result, adolescents have low immunization rates and are becoming more susceptible to diseases that are preventable by vaccine, such as pertussis. The incidence of pertussis has increased during the past 25 years, with a notable shift in incidence from young children to adolescents and young adults. New vaccines that provide protection against pertussis for use in adolescents have been proven to be safe, effective, and cost-beneficial. Regional epidemics among infants and other vulnerable populations can be reduced or eliminated with improved immunity in adolescents.