coqueluche

Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection with a prolonged course; a vaccine is available to prevent the disease and, in particular, to prevent its transmission to infants who are at high risk.

Our missions

  • Monitoring the epidemiological trends of pertussis

  • Assessing and monitoring vaccination coverage

  • Promote vaccination against pertussis

  • Promote the cocooning strategy to protect infants (too young to be vaccinated)

vaccination-info-service.fr - Le site de référence qui répond à vos questions

What We Do

Despite the sharp decline in the number of pertussis cases following the introduction of the vaccine, the bacterium continues to circulate, and cases of pertussis still occur. These cases almost always require hospitalization among young children. In response to this public health challenge, Santé publique France conducts epidemiological surveillance and promotes pertussis vaccination.

Epidemiological Surveillance of Pertussis

Surveillance of pertussis makes it possible to describe and track the spatial and temporal trends of the disease among the entire population residing in metropolitan France and the overseas territories. It is based on several data sources: microbiological data from the 3labos network and the CNR Pertussis and Other Bordetellosis Network, data from the Sentinelles network, data from the SOS Médecins network, emergency department visit data (OSCOUR® network), data from the RENACOQ network, and mortality data from CépiDc.

Santé publique France has established a pertussis surveillance program based on the Renacoq network of voluntary pediatric hospital services, which has been operating in 42 institutions since 1996.

Pertussis is not a notifiable disease. There is no comprehensive community-based surveillance of pertussis in France,1 apart from Renacoq data on sources of infection for infants. However, clusters of cases must be reported to the Regional Health Agency (ARS).

Several questionnaires and forms are available for reporting and tracking pertussis cases.

1In 2017–2018, the sentinel network began monitoring pertussis in the general population through community-based medical practices. The network relies on volunteer general practitioners. This surveillance program is very recent.

A preventive measure against whooping cough

Santé publique France has created an informational website on the various vaccinations available in France to provide reliable, scientifically validated answers to questions that the public and healthcare professionals may have on the subject.
A section dedicated to pertussis vaccination is available in two sections—one aimed at the general public and the other at healthcare professionals—to better support them in their practice:

In addition, Santé publique France produces prevention tools such as informational brochures for healthcare professionals as well as for the general public, along with a video tailored for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These resources are available under the “Tools” tab.

In relation to

Vaccination

Vaccination

thematic dossier

Contagious diseases most often affect children at a very young age. Because children are particularly vulnerable, they are a priority target for vaccination programs.

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