Lianhe Zaobao - Singapore still has a significant number of pertussis cases; experts say the protective effect of childhood vaccines is nearing its end.

Singapore's pertussis cases have remained high since the COVID-19 pandemic, with at least 120 cases in the past two years. Experts interviewed said one of the main reasons is that the pertussis vaccine does not provide lifelong protection, and the immunity gained from vaccination gradually weakens.

Dr. Poh Zhong Xian, Medical Director of HMI Medical Centre, said that in primary care clinics, general practitioners typically provide oral antibiotics to pertussis patients whose clinical condition is stable and who do not require hospitalization. Most patients with mild pertussis symptoms respond well to oral antibiotics and recover without hospitalization.

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