OPTIMUM: OPTimising IMmunisation Using Mixed schedules

Investigators: Beth Arrowsmith, Camille Gibson, Christina Anthony, Fiona McDonald, Glady Perez, Jan Jones, Jane Jones, Jennifer Gatens, Jennifer Kent, Julie Marsh, Krist Ewe, Lisa Montgomery, Marie Estcourt, Nikki Schultz, Patrick Holt, Peter Richmond, Susan Prescott, Tanya Stoney, Tom Snelling

External collaborators: Michael Gold (University of Adelaide), Dianne Campbell (University of Sydney), Kirsten Perrett (Murdoch Children's Research Institute), Nicholas Wood (University of Sydney) Emeritus Professor Don Robertson (University of Adelaide)

Whooping cough is reemerging as a serious health problem in Australia. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests the whole cell vaccine against pertussis that used to be used in Australia may be better at protecting against whooping cough than the acellular vaccine currently in use. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that the whole cell vaccine might protect against the development of allergy in children. However, the vaccine was discontinued in Australia due to undesirable side effects. This is a pilot study to assess the acceptability of reintroducing one dose of the whole cell vaccine into the child immunisation schedule, and to assess the development of allergic potential among children receiving either the whole cell or accelluar vaccine.