Expert consensus on the China Pertussis Initiative

Some countries with high coverage of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis combined vaccines have experienced pertussis epidemics and/or local outbreaks since 1980s. This phenomenon is called “pertussis resurgence”. In recent years, pertussis epidemics in several provinces of China have resurged dramatically, arousing great concern from all parties. By referring the working model of the Global Pertussis Initiative, the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association has organized and launched the China Pertussis Initiative. A group of experts in this field has analyzed data of current pertussis in China and identified problems posed by the disease. This expert consensus was completed based on the discussions of the latest national and international research progress, epidemiological trends and immunization strategies of pertussis, with special aims to provide guidance for the surveillance, prevention and control of pertussis in China.