Whooping Cough

Australia continues to be in the grip of a whooping cough epidemic. Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria called Pertussis and it can be fatal, especially for small babies. In adults it tends to cause a prolonged cough, often referred to as the "100 day cough". Vaccination is effective, but tends to wear off over time, hence the current epidemic.

Whooping cough vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunisations, and we encourage you to consider commencing these early, at 6 weeks of age, to protect earlier for whooping cough. Speak to your doctor about getting vaccinated prior to planning a pregnancy. There is now a free vaccine for all parents of new born babies. Other adults in contact with small babies should also consider being vaccinated.