Is your family protected from Whooping Cough?

It may be noticed that expecting mothers are now requesting for people who will come in contact with their baby to receive the whooping cough vaccination. You may ask why this is so? What is the big deal? Pharmacist Kim Parkinson from Priceline Pharmacy Westridge will provide the following information that will hopefully provide some answers to your questions.

Pertussis also known as whooping cough can be a serious respiratory tract infection. Pertussis is highly contagious and transmitted easily through droplets in the air via sneezing or coughing.

The infection begins with cold-like symptoms however then develops into a cough. Coughing fits can cause deep inhalation of breath making a ‘whoop’ sound, which is how it got the name “Whooping Cough”. In children and babies severe cases can lead to hospitalisation and in extreme cases can result in death from the infection. On a positive note, it is easily prevented through immunisation. Increased vaccination coverage within the community has resulted in a dramatic reduction in diagnosed cases of whooping cough.

Who should be vaccinated?

• Children are vaccinated as part of the national immunisation program.

• It is recommended for adults to have a booster vaccination if one has not be given in the past 10 years

• Ladies planning to fall pregnant or expecting mothers during the third trimester

• Anyone in contact with younger children (parents, grandparents or friends)

• 65 years or older and who have not had a booster in the previous 10 years.

It should be noted that the whooping cough vaccination should be administered at least 2 weeks prior to being in close contact with an infant.

Priceline Pharmacy Westridge is vaccinating now against whooping cough, please come in and talk to one of our friendly staff for more information or to organise an appointment to have your vaccination.