- There are two types of vaccines against Pertussis: whole cell P (wP) and the acellular P (aP).
- The wP vaccine is the older vaccine. It is made of killed B. pertussis germs, which cause Pertussis. It includes all the components of the B.pertussis. It has been replaced by aP vaccines in the developed countries. However, worldwide, wP vaccines are the most widely used Pertussis vaccines.
- The aP vaccine is a purified form of Pertussis vaccine and consists of only those components that are believed to be important for protection against Pertussis.
What are the differences between wP and aP vaccines?
- wP vaccines have been shown to have a longer duration of protection, they reduce spread of the disease to others and induce a superior long-term protection against Pertussis, as compared to aP vaccines.
- Generally, wP vaccines cause more fever, pain and swelling at the site of vaccination, as compared to aP vaccines.
- Fever, redness, pain and swelling at the site of the injection, drowsiness and refsal of feeds are common side effects. These resolve within 48 hours.
reference : https://iapindia.org/pdf/vaccine-information/DPT-VACCINES.pdf (2020 - 2021)