The Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today released new data that showed whooping cough in babies is at historically low levels in Victoria.
In June last year the Victorian Government reinstated the free whooping cough vaccine for expectant parents and parents of newborns.
The Whooping Cough Vaccination Program is available to all pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation and their partners. In addition, all parents and guardians of newborn babies under six months are eligible. The best protection for babies is achieved in pregnant women when vaccination occurs early in the third trimester.
Victorians have been able to access flu and whooping cough vaccinations at their local pharmacy since June this year.
“We know vaccinations save lives. That is why we brought back the free whooping cough vaccination program for mums and dads," Minister Hennessy said.
“We want to ensure as many children as possible are immunised against serious and life-threatening illnesses. Immunising your child not only protects you and your family, but other children in the community.”
Professor Suzanne Garland, Director of Microbiological Research and Head of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the Women’s, said the Boostrix vaccine could be given at the same time as an influenza vaccine.
She said pregnant women should be vaccinated during the third trimester of every pregnancy. “Ideally between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation,” Prof Garland said.
“This provides the best protection for the newborn.”
For more information, see our fact sheet on whopping cough.
