Control measures appeared effective. Pertussis occurred in 87 (2%) employees. Among 102 children hospitalized with pertussis, respiratory isolation was delayed in nine cases, and one case was nosocomial. Program expenses totalled $85,400. Adult booster immunization with acellular pertussis vaccine might represent the safest and least expensive strategy for preventing epidemic pertussis, and controlled trials of acellular pertussis vaccine in hospital employees are needed.

Control measures appeared effective. Pertussis occurred in 87 (2%) employees. Among 102 children hospitalized with pertussis, respiratory isolation was delayed in nine cases, and one case was nosocomial. Program expenses totalled $85,400. Adult booster immunization with acellular pertussis vaccine might represent the safest and least expensive strategy for preventing epidemic pertussis, and controlled trials of acellular pertussis vaccine in hospital employees are needed.