Pregnant women can now get their free whooping cough vaccination earlier thanks to new guidelines in the National Immunisation Program.

Whooping cough is a highly infectious disease that causes sudden attacks of coughing that often end in a high-pitched whooping sound.  The cough commonly persists for up to 3 months.

What is whooping cough? Whooping cough is an infection caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease. Symptoms that include fever and long periods of coughing that sound like a ‘whoop’. Whooping cough can affect people of all ages but it is more serious for babies. Whooping cough can be prevented by immunisation. Treatment includes antibiotics.

Information about pertussis (whooping cough) disease, vaccines and recommendations for vaccination from the Australian Immunisation Handbook

betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Whooping cough starts like a cold, followed by a cough with a whooping sound. Immunisation protects children, but see a GP if your child develops symptoms.

Immunisation during pregnancy is vital to protect the mother and unborn child. We recommend the mother and baby receive vaccines for whooping cough (pertussis) and influenza.

Webinar video now available - Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine program reset: navigating safety, acceptance and uptakeRead the full article