Pertussis vaccine: myths and realities.

Pertussis vaccine is feared by many parents, even though the alleged dangers are greatly exaggerated. No cause-and-effect relationship between pertussis vaccine and neurologic damage has ever been scientifically demonstrated. Recent epidemiologic studies indicate that serious neurologic illness occurring in temporal association with pertussis vaccine is extremely rare, and that permanent brain damage rarely, if ever, occurs. Immunization authorities in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom recommend that all children should be routinely immunized with the current pertussis vaccine, according to recommended schedules.