The acellular pertussis vaccine is a component of the DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis) vaccine, designed to protect against whooping cough, a contagious respiratory disease. Unlike whole-cell pertussis vaccines, which contain killed entire bacteria, acellular vaccines use purified antigens to stimulate an immune response. This approach minimizes adverse reactions commonly associated with whole-cell vaccines.
