Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is a highly infectious bacterial disease that causes bouts of coughing and can be life-threatening in babies (click here for more information). NSW reported an increase in notifications of whooping cough in 2008/2009 and 2010/2011 (click here for data). To protect those at greatest risk of infection and complications, it is important that children are vaccinated on time:

• the first dose can be given as early as 6 weeks of age (normally given at 2 months of age)
• the second dose should be given at 4 months of age
• the third dose should be given at 6 months of age
• the fourth dose can be given as early as 3 ½ years of age (normally given at 4 years of age)

In addition, as immunity wanes over time, many older children and adults are susceptible to infection and can be the source of new infections in babies:

• adolescents should receive a booster dose in the school-based vaccination program (click here for more information)
• free booster vaccine is also available until June 2012 for all new parents, grandparents and regular carers of infants less than 12 months of age

Click here for general information about whooping cough.