PerTexP: scenario-based exploration of pertussis dynamics under maternal and infant vaccination

Abstract We introduce PerTexP (Pertussis Time Exploration), an interactive modelling tool designed to investigate pertussis transmission dynamics and to support the evaluation of vaccination strategies and short-term projections. PerTexP allows users to explore and compare maternal, infant, and non–infant booster vaccination scenarios and to assess their potential impact on disease transmission, with a particular focus on the Italian epidemiological context. The tool is based on a discrete-time, stage–structured compartmental model with two age classes. By enabling rapid scenario-based analyses, PerTexP supports evidence-informed decision-making and provides transparent insights into how alternative vaccination strategies may shape pertussis dynamics. Combining accessibility, flexibility, and methodological rigour, PerTexP offers a practical resource for researchers and public health practitioners interested in exploring and comparing pertussis control strategies.