According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), there were 11,647 new whooping cough cases diagnosed in 2003, which represents4.0 cases per 100,000. Of these 11,647 cases, there were 18 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also reported that respiratory distress was among the Top Ten causes of mortality of children in 2002.As of late, there has been an increased incidence of reported outbreaks related to whooping cough (pertussis) in the United States and according to the CDC, there is a significant need to protect children and adults from this contagious infection. Moreover, pertusis which was initially considered a childhood disease, affects people of all ages. According to the CDC, there were 5,000 to 7,000 cases reported last year in the United States alone (CDC). This is important because those who have a cough may not realize that they have pertussis and may be the primary source of infection for infants, who have the greatest risk of dying from the disease. "While there is no lifelong protection against pertussis, immunization by vaccine is the best preventive measure available. Vaccines currently licensed by the Food and Drug Administration to prevent the disease and reduce related illness and death are available for children up to age 7, and for adolescents between 10 and 18. The children's vaccine is part of a routine series of childhood immunizations called diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) that is strongly recommended by the National Immunization Program at the CDC. It is administered in five doses, given at 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months of age, and between 4 and 6 years. All five doses are recommended for maximum protection (Food and Drug Administration)." Moreover, FDA approved an adolescent vaccine in May 2005, which has the same components as the DtaP vaccine for infants and adolescents, but in reduced quantities. Based on this data alone, it may be time to revisit the existing program which manages vaccination injury.The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (PL-99-660) is a vaccine safety and compensation system which (1) created a no-fault compensation alternative to suing vaccine manufacturers and providers on behalf of citizens injured or killed by vaccines; (2) helps prevent future vaccine injuries through education and an adverse reaction reporting system; and (3) creates incentives for the production of safer vaccines. Compensation to victims is divided into two parts (Refer to THE VACCINE INJURY