PERTUSSIS PROGRAM – WHOOPING COUGH

EXTENDED UNTIL JULY 2011 – BOOK NOW

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is the most common vaccine preventable disease in Australia, with most infections occurring in adults due to waning immunity.

Adults can pass on Pertussis to vulnerable infants who are too young to be fully protected by their primary immunisations.  In an Australian study conducted in 2004, mothers were found to be the primary source of pertussis infections in infants, accounting for 42% of cases.   In 2006, there were 11,000 reported cases with 90% of cases in adults.

Protection for the infant is commonly referred to as the “cocoon strategy” where the family members (mother, father, siblings and grandparents) are immunised to reduce the risk of transmission of this disease.  The same level of care is now recommended for all Health care Workers.

Sanofi Pasteur a vaccination company are leaders in the implementation on the Cocoon Strategy.

Corporate Health 4 Life encourages all adults in corporate companies to be protected, especially new parents.

A single booster dose of dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) is recommended for the following:

• Adolescents 15-17 years
• Parents, including before planning a pregnancy or both parents as soon after birth
• Childcare workers and health care workers
• Grandparents
• Travellers

10 common questions and answers (click here)