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Free pertussis vaccine for parents of newborns extended - 8 June 2011
The availability of a free whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine for parents of newborn babies has been extended to 30 June 2012.
Why extend the program?
The program, initiated in June 2009, is in response to a dramatic and sustained increase in cases of pertussis in Victoria in the past few years.Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Babies under six months old are most susceptible to severe complications of pertussis.
Ensuring parents are vaccinated reduces the likelihood of transmission of the infection to very young babies.
Who is eligible for the free vaccine?
Partners of pregnant women and parents of newborn babies (including adoptive and foster parents) are eligible for a free dose of pertussis containing vaccine, Boostrix®, which also contains diphtheria and tetanus.Mothers can have the booster as soon as possible following the birth. The vaccine is safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Partners of pregnant women can now have the booster at any time during the pregnancy or as soon as possible following the birth.
How can I access the free vaccine?
Immunisation providers can order the vaccine using the ‘Boostrix for new parents’ form from: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/provider-forms/formsWhat else can I do?
Check the immunisation status of all children and adolescents attending your practice and catch up any missed/overdue doses. This is particularly important for children of pregnant mothers and siblings of newborns.
Encourage adults working with or caring for very young babies, especially health care and child care workers and grandparents to have an adult pertussis vaccine.
Think, test and treat pertussis early. Adults are the main reservoir of infection due to waning immunity after vaccination in childhood.
The pertussis vaccine is not fully protective and immunised people can still contract pertussis, but they are likely to have a less severe illness.
Pertussis in adults is predominantly atypical, without the characteristic “whoop” and often presents as a prolonged cough, which may go undiagnosed. This means that transmission to babies and other persons can occur readily. Early detection and treatment means less population infection.
Resources
Free hard copies of the following resources can be ordered at the web addresses noted below.- Free whooping cough vaccine for parents of newborn babies A4 information sheet is designed for parents and expectant parents.
- Protect your baby by protecting yourself A3 poster to alert parents to the availability of the free vaccine.
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/provider-forms/order_resources_online - Could it be whooping cough? A4 fact sheet for health practitioners on early detection of pertussis.
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/resources/online_order
For further information contact the Health Protection Branch, Department of Health:
- vaccine information – phone 1300 882 008
- disease information – phone 1300 651 160
Dr Rosemary Lester
Acting Chief Health Officer
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Free whooping cough vaccine extended for parents of newborns
