Protecting newborns from pertussis: The role of partner vaccination in the era of maternal immunization

While the majority of mothers and partners reported pertussis vaccination in accordance with recommended guidelines, concerningly nearly a quarter of newborns were discharged to a home where neither parent was vaccinated. When maternal vaccination did not occur, rates of vaccination of the other close contacts was poor. Educating women to encourage vaccination of partners and carers particularly those coming from overseas, prior to their arrival is an important consideration when maternal immunization does not occur. Cocooning remains an important approach to protect newborns of mothers vaccinated late or not vaccinated in pregnancy.