Statens Serum Institute in Denmark reported an epidemic of Pertussis in the country, following a significant increase in cases between June and August 2023 in all regions. Overall, 1 229 confirmed cases have been reported in Denmark in 2023. High incidence is reported among young children under one year, older children aged 9 to 19 years and adults aged 40 to 50 years.
Due to the increase in Pertussis cases, and to ensure that new-borns, free vaccination is being offered by the Danish authorities to pregnant women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy. Pertussis vaccination is part of the Danish vaccination programme and vaccination is offered at 3–5–12 months of age, with a booster at five years of age. Pertussis is a contagious respiratory illness which spreads easily from person to person. The priority remains the protection of infants and babies and those at high risk.
