The 2024 whooping cough epidemic has reached unprecedented levels, marking a important surge compared to previous peaks over the past decade. While periodic outbreaks of this vaccine-preventable disease are expected every three to five years,the severity of this year’s outbreak has raised alarms among health experts.
A Record-Breaking Surge
Data from the Rénacoq Observatory, a trusted source for hospitalized whooping cough cases as 1996, reveals a staggering 305 cases in 2024. This figure surpasses the previous highs of 293 cases in 2012 and 285 in 2013. While hospitalized cases are well-documented, tracking community-based infections remains challenging, notably among older children and adults who may exhibit milder symptoms.
“While historically, infant deaths from whooping cough ranged between zero and ten annually, 2024 saw a tragic rise to 21 infant fatalities, with an additional 19 deaths reported among older adults,” explains Professor Emmanuel Grimprel, a pediatrician at Trousseau Hospital, AP-HP. He notes that the accuracy of adult case reporting in past decades is uncertain, making it challenging to fully interpret this alarming trend.
The severity of this year’s outbreak can be attributed to several factors, according to Professor Grimprel. “During the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns, many infectious agents, including whooping cough bacteria, were suppressed. This led to a rebound effect, as natural immunity was not built up during that period.”
Additionally, while vaccines are highly effective—approximately 90%—their protection wanes over time, typically within five years. “the circulation of whooping cough cannot be entirely eliminated due to the limited duration of vaccine effectiveness,” he adds.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
Efforts to safeguard infants, the most vulnerable population, focus on timely vaccination starting at two months of age. Pregnant women are also a critical target, with vaccination recommended during the second and third trimesters.This approach, adopted by the UK and later by France in 2022, has proven effective in providing passive immunity to newborns.
“The best protection remains the vaccination of pregnant women. It is indeed safe, well-tolerated, and transfers protective antibodies to the baby, ensuring they are protected from birth until they can receive their own vaccinations,” emphasizes Professor Grimprel.
Despite these efforts, vaccination coverage among pregnant women remains insufficient. Recent data from the Epi-Phare study shows a coverage rate of 63%, far below the target of 90%. “We need to achieve and maintain high vaccination rates among pregnant women to protect infants and reduce hospitalizations and deaths,” says Professor Grimprel.
“We must integrate the idea that pregnant women have a vaccination program.”
Professor Emmanuel Grimprel
As the 2024 whooping cough outbreak underscores the importance of vaccination and public health strategies, experts are urging increased awareness and action to protect vulnerable populations and prevent future epidemics.
New strategy Aims to Protect infants from Severe Diseases Through Maternal Vaccination
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A groundbreaking approach to safeguarding newborns from severe illnesses is gaining traction, emphasizing the critical role of maternal vaccination during pregnancy. While this strategy does not entirely prevent the spread of diseases in the general population, it significantly reduces the number of infants who become seriously ill. Experts are urging healthcare providers to play a pivotal role in educating expectant mothers about the benefits of vaccination.
“Pediatricians have a unique opportunity when they see a young patient accompanied by a pregnant mother. General practitioners, who often see women at the start of pregnancy, also have an essential role because talking to them early about vaccination allows these women to have time to think about it, to understand that it is the best way to protect their infant, and to better adhere to the idea of getting the vaccine during pregnancy,” insists Professor Emmanuel Grimprel, from Tousseau Hospital, AP-HP.
Professor Grimprel further emphasizes that this approach is not just about protecting the infant but also about preventive medicine. he explains, “It is also a preventive medicine issue to integrate the idea that pregnant women have a vaccination program: against flu, RSV, and whooping cough (to protect the child) and against Covid to protect themselves.”
Who Should Receive Antibiotics?
The High Council of Public Health recommends reserving broad-spectrum macrolides for the most fragile infants, particularly those who are unvaccinated. This strategy aims to limit the circulation of increasingly resistant strains of bacteria.
This new focus on maternal vaccination underscores the importance of early intervention and education in healthcare. By empowering pregnant women with knowledge about the benefits of vaccination, healthcare providers can definitely help protect the next generation from severe and potentially life-threatening diseases.
For more information on this topic, please refer to the interview with Professor Emmanuel Grimprel, available here.
Interview: Protecting Infants from Severe Diseases Through Maternal Vaccination
In light of the recent surge in whooping cough cases and the alarming rise in infant fatalities, maternal vaccination has emerged as a critical strategy to safeguard newborns from severe and potentially life-threatening diseases. This interview with Professor Emmanuel grimprel,a renowned pediatrician from Trousseau Hospital,AP-HP,delves into the importance of maternal vaccination,the challenges faced,and the steps needed to protect the most vulnerable population.
Understanding the Current Epidemic
Senior Editor: Professor Grimprel, thank you for joining us today. The recent whooping cough epidemic has raised significant concerns. can you provide some context on the severity of this year’s outbreak compared to previous years?
Professor Grimprel: Certainly. The 2024 whooping cough epidemic has indeed reached unprecedented levels, with 305 hospitalized cases documented by the Rénacoq Observatory. This surpasses the previous highs of 293 cases in 2012 and 285 in 2013. Additionally, we’ve seen a tragic rise in infant fatalities, with 21 reported this year, along with 19 deaths among older adults. This is a significant increase compared to ancient data, where infant deaths ranged between zero and ten annually.
The Role of Maternal Vaccination
Senior Editor: Given the severity of this outbreak, what role does maternal vaccination play in protecting infants?
Professor Grimprel: Maternal vaccination is absolutely critical in protecting infants from whooping cough. Vaccinating pregnant women during the second and third trimesters transfers protective antibodies to the baby, providing them with passive immunity from birth until they can receive their own vaccinations at two months of age. This approach, adopted by the UK and later by France in 2022, has proven to be highly effective in reducing hospitalizations and deaths among infants.
Challenges and Solutions
Senior Editor: Despite its effectiveness, vaccination coverage among pregnant women remains below the target. What challenges are we facing, and how can we address them?
Professor Grimprel: The main challenge is achieving and maintaining high vaccination rates among pregnant women. Recent data from the Epi-Phare study shows a coverage rate of 63%, far below the target of 90%. To improve this, we need to intensify education and outreach efforts. Healthcare providers, including pediatricians and general practitioners, have a pivotal role to play in educating expectant mothers about the benefits of vaccination. Early conversations about vaccination during pregnancy can help women understand its importance and make informed decisions.
The Broader Impact of Maternal Vaccination
senior Editor: Beyond whooping cough, how does maternal vaccination contribute to overall public health?
professor Grimprel: Maternal vaccination is not just about protecting infants from whooping cough; it’s also a preventive medicine issue. pregnant women should be vaccinated against flu, RSV, and COVID-19, along with whooping cough. These vaccines not only protect the mother but also provide indirect protection to the infant. By integrating vaccination into the prenatal care program, we can significantly reduce the burden of infectious diseases on both the mother and the child.
Looking Ahead
Senior Editor: What steps should be taken to ensure that maternal vaccination becomes a standard practice?
Professor Grimprel: first and foremost, we need to strengthen education and awareness campaigns. Healthcare providers must take the lead in discussing vaccination with pregnant women early in their pregnancy. Additionally, we need to ensure that vaccination services are easily accessible and that there is clear dialogue about the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. By making maternal vaccination a priority, we can protect the next generation from severe and potentially life-threatening diseases.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Professor Grimprel, for your valuable insights. Your expertise is crucial in guiding us toward a healthier future for our infants and communities.
Professor Grimprel: It’s my pleasure.Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital topic.
For more information on this topic, please refer to the full interview with Professor Emmanuel Grimprel, available here.