This 19th-Century killer is making a comeback – and with protection from the whooping cough vaccine waning over time, the hunt is on for something longer-lasting.

Summary

Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness, is resurging globally due to waning vaccine effectiveness and declining vaccination rates.

Current acellular vaccines, widely used in wealthier nations, lose potency after 5-10 years, leaving teens and adults vulnerable.

Emerging third-generation vaccines, like BPZE1, show promise for longer-lasting immunity by targeting nasal mucosal immunity, which existing injections lack. Nasal vaccines and innovations like outer-membrane vesicles could improve protection.

However, challenges remain, including funding, vaccine hesitancy, and pharmaceutical incentives favoring multi-dose regimens over long-lasting solutions.