The Renacoq network has been monitoring pediatric pertussis cases seen in hospitals and the impact of vaccination strategies on infants since April 1996. We describe the interaction between data collection and the selection of vaccination strategies. Method Bacteriologists from 43 hospitals collect the results of pertussis testing in children under 16 years of age, and pediatricians document cases in infants under six months of age that meet the case definitions using clinical, epidemiological, and bacteriological data. Isolated strains are sent to the National Reference Center, which validates the biological results. Data from 1996 to 2007 were analyzed, along with their interaction with changes in the pertussis vaccination schedule during this period. Results While the introduction of a booster dose for adolescents and adults to protect infants was largely motivated by data from the network, the discontinuation of whole-cell vaccines was not linked to these data. The impact of the adolescent booster is moderate due to its coverage, and that of adult vaccination was not detectable because vaccination coverage is virtually zero. The introduction of acellular vaccines and their subsequent exclusive use appear to have had no effect on the Renacoq data. Discussion In addition to the burden of the disease among infants, the study illustrates the interaction between surveillance and public health decisions. It highlights the difficulties in implementing vaccination strategies and the importance of data collection by volunteer hospital staff, along with the issue of their recognition within the public health system. (R.A.)