The widespread use of pediatric diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines has led to a dramatic decline in pertussis. However, a resurgence of pertussis has recently been observed, particularly among adolescents and adults, now considered important sources of infections. The addition of an acellular pertussis component to the CDC-recommended diphtheria and tetanus adult booster vaccine could reduce the occurrence of pertussis. Although policy makers will base their decisions on epidemiological, clinical, and ethical grounds, they may also require evidence of the economic value of this added component before formulating a final immunization recommendation. OBJECTIVES: To provide a preliminary assessment of the economic value of vaccinating all new parents (or guardians) at the time of birth of their first child. METHODS: A literature-based decision analysis was developed to estimate the clinical and epidemiological costs and benefits of this vaccination strategy. The model projects the number of - and the direct and indirect cost savings associated with - mild, hospitalized, and fatal clinical pertussis cases prevented in vaccinated adults and in non-vaccinated children (due to herd immunity). RESULTS: Our analysis suggests that such a vaccination strategy could prevent 12,000 to 28,000, mostly adult, infections and about 1,000 hospitalizations annually. The results also indicate that vaccination may be cost-effective, with a cost per infection avoided ranging between $632 and $1,318. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this analysis suggest that adult booster pertussis vaccination provide substantial economic and clinical benefits. Policy makers should not exclude adults from their recommendation considerations until more definitive epidemiological and economic data become available.