ACT Division of General Practice (ACTDGP) welcomes the extension of the Targeted Adult Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccination Program by ACT Health until 31 December 2011.
ACTDGP President Dr Rashmi Sharma says the program offers free Pertussis vaccine to parents and grandparents of babies less than 12 months of age, as infants too young to be fully vaccinated are most at risk of catching the disease and suffering serious complications from Pertussis.
An increase in the number of Pertussis notifications has been observed in the ACT since the beginning of October 2010, with 127 and 205 cases notified in October and November respectively, compared with 41 notifications in September 2010.
“Despite a decline in recent Pertussis notifications this year, notifications still remain higher than when compared to previous years,” Dr Sharma said.
Nationally a 15% increase in notifications in 2010 compared with 2009 has been observed.
“Parents and grandparents who are in close contact with babies and haven’t already received their Pertussis vaccination should see their GP and get their free dose before the program closes,” Dr Sharma said.
Although the program only offers the vaccine to parents and grandparents, Dr Sharma says the vaccine is recommended for anyone over the age of 50, as it also provides protection against Tetanus and Diphtheria.
“The program’s extension also acts as a reminder for parents to have their children vaccinated at the recommended ages,” Dr Sharma said.
Pertussis vaccination is offered to all children as part of the funded National Immunisation Program. It is recommended that children receive the Pertussis vaccine at two months, four months, six months and four years of age.
Parents and grandparents are encouraged to visit their GP for the free vaccine to help protect their young babies.
For more information please phone Roz Lemon on 0417 179 314 or email
media@actdgp.asn.au.