Abstract
IN this study in part of Fife, parents of children under 5 were interviewed about pertussis immunisation. Fifteen per cent of the children had not been immu nised. Parental decision was responsible for 31 per cent of unimmunised children and medical advice for the other 69 per cent, of whom 65 per cent had no valid contraindications. The results suggest that immunisation rates will not be significantly increased until health professionals give consistent and appropriate advice to parents about pertussis immunisation.