NSW Immunisation Program
WHOOPING COUGH | Parents/General information | GPs/Immunisation Providers | Order Forms and GP resources | Other linksThe NSW Immunisation Program provides the community of NSW with protection against vaccine preventable diseases through initiatives targeting infants, adolescents, healthcare workers and older people. The Program involves coordinated efforts by the NSW Department of Health, Area Health Services, general practice, local government, educational authorities and Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations. The Program is undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the National Immunisation Program, through which the Australian Government provides funds to NSW for the purchase of vaccines, and is strongly aligned with the priorities of the NSW State Plan and State Health Plan.
WHOOPING COUGH
Important information for parents of babies and young infants
More than 9500 cases of pertussis (whooping cough), an infection that causes a coughing illness, have been reported in NSW this year. Timely immunisation of infants is important because unvaccinated infants are at highest risk of infection and are also at high risk of complications. Normally the first dose of combination vaccine (including whooping cough) is given at two months. However, it can be given as early as six weeks of age to provide earlier protection against whooping cough. NSW will lead the development of a National Immunisation Strategy on Whooping Cough, following recent endorsement of the initiative by state and federal health ministers.
Because pertussis immunity wanes over time, many older children and adults are susceptible to infection and can be the source of new infections in infants. For a limited time, FREE pertussis (dTpa) vaccine is available for all new parents, grandparents and any other adults who will regularly care for infants less than 12 months of age.
Parents/General information
- Whooping cough and meningococcal disease - school aged children
- What vaccines does my child need - and when?
- Information on vaccines provided on the NSW Immunisation Schedule
- Immunisation history statement for school enrolment in NSW
- What vaccines are provided at school?
- National human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation program
