Information for parents, teachers and childcare workers
Whooping cough (pertussis)
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of school-aged children in NSW diagnosed with whooping cough (pertussis).
Please be on the look out for symptoms of whooping cough:
- a runny nose, followed by a cough, which becomes worse (older children and adults may have only a cough that can last for several months)
- a cough that occurs in spasms, which may be followed by vomiting
- a cough with a 'whoop' (a sudden noisy gasp at the end of coughing)
If your doctor diagnoses whooping cough in its early, infectious stage (within 3 weeks of the cough starting), please advise the school and keep your child at home until they have taken 5 days of antibiotics.
Immunisation reduces the risk of infection, however the vaccine does not give lifelong protection, and reinfection can occur. The vaccine is provided free of charge for infants at 2, 4 and 6 months and again at 4 years (the first dose can be given as early as 6 weeks of age). Please check that your child has received this primary course. If your child has not been fully immunised, discuss a catch-up plan with your doctor.
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.
- Free vaccine will also be provided to Year 10 students as part of the NSW School-based Vaccination Program from 2009.
For information on whooping cough see the whooping cough factsheet or call your local public health unit for further information