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Whooping cough (Pertussis)

Epidemiology

A highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection causing severe coughing fits, particularly dangerous for infants under 6 months.

TransmissionAirborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
infant hospitalisation ratehigh in unvaccinated infants under 6 months

Vaccine status

Available: dTpa (adult/adolescent booster), DTPa (child primary course)

Routinely available on Australia's National Immunisation Program.

Recommendations

Pregnant women

A pertussis-containing vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks, to pass protective antibodies to the baby before birth.

Anyone in close contact with a newborn

Adults who will be around a new baby (partners, grandparents, carers) are encouraged to have a booster if it's been more than 10 years since their last one.

Sources