Which population might benefit the most from vaccination against pertussis?

Infants less than 1 year old are at the highest risk for severe complications from pertussis, also known as whooping cough. This population is particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing, and they have not yet received the full course of vaccinations that protect against pertussis, which typically begins at two months of age. Pertussis can lead to serious outcomes such as pneumonia, seizures, and even death in young infants.

While teenagers, adults over 65, and pregnant women also benefit from the vaccination, their risk of severe illness is not as high as that faced by infants under one year. Vaccination of pregnant women is important for providing passive immunity to infants, and immunizing older children and adults can help reduce the spread of pertussis; however, the immediate safety and health concerns for infants underscore their critical need for vaccination against this disease. This makes them the population that benefits the most from this preventive measure.