Infant vaccination against pertussis in Argentina: Parent-reported outcomes on reactogenicity, impact on daily routine and satisfaction after pentavalent whole-cell or hexavalent acellular pertussis vaccines

INTRODUCTION: In Argentina, a pentavalent whole-cell pertussis vaccine (wP) is used in the National Immunization Program, however hexavalent acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines are available in the private market. OBJECTIVE: To describe parent or guardianś perceptions on reactogenicity, daily routine and satisfaction after a first or third dose of a wP-pentavalent plus IPV (wP-group) or the fully-liquid aP-hexavalent vaccine (aP-group) in infants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational and analytical study. Parents or guardians of infants born at term attending a public or private vaccination center in Buenos Aires City were invited to participate. All parents or guardians had completed 12-year schooling and were asked to fill out an online 7-day post vaccination questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated as the first phase of the study. Descriptive analysis of study variables was carried out, REDCap was used for the online survey, and STATA 14 for data analysis. RESULTS: 1071 parents or guardians answered the questionnaire (response rate 82%), 530 for wP-group and 541 for aP-group. Local and systemic adverse reactions, in groups wP and aP respectively, were: pain 83%, 28%; swelling 63%, 16%; redness 52%, 22%; irritability 72%, 52%; fever 37%, 8%; loss of appetite 36%, 19%; drowsiness 38%, 27%; and vomiting 15%, 11%. Impact on daily life: social activities 36%, 20%; routine 48%, 24%; mood 39%, 23%; vitality 47%, 24%; sleep 50%, 30%; and appetite 22%, 7%. Parents were satisfied with the vaccination process in 96% and 98% for wP-group and aP-group respectively. Parents reported willingness to bring infant for future vaccine doses in 97% and 99% for wP-group and aP-group respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Reported reactogenicity and impact on family daily routine was higher in infants receiving wP-pentavalent than aP-hexavalent vaccines. Parents in both groups conveyed vaccine acceptance and positive intentions for future immunizations.