Whooping cough is a potentially deadly disease – and we are in the middle of yet another serious outbreak.
Many people don’t realise that the bacterial infection, which is also known as pertussis, is especially dangerous for babies. It can lead to pneumonia, brain damage and even death, and outbreaks usually occur at least every four years.
But there is good news – pertussis vaccination for pregnant women (recommended at 28 weeks) is now free in NSW. This vaccine is so important as it will help to protect infants until they are ready to receive their own vaccinations at six weeks of age. All the information you need can be found right here:
Related: Pregnant women will now get free whooping cough vaccines – thanks to the Hughes family.
Vaccinations are the most effective way of keeping your family safe – so it is essential to get every family member immunised as a precaution. Because when it comes to this horrific disease, you can’t afford not to.
Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by NSW Health. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words.
Save the Date to Vaccinate is an initiative from NSW Health to remind parents of the importance of on-time vaccinations for children from birth to 4 years of age.On-time vaccinations help protect children from serious diseases at the most vulnerable time of life.
You can download the free ‘Save the Date’ phone app for personalised schedules, and handy reminders. Visit www.immunisation.health.nsw.gov.au
Top Comments
My grandmother is 95. When I was heading overseas for the first time at age 20, it was my grandmother that paid for one lot of vaccines that I was reluctant to have. She sat me down and told me about the old days, how serious and deadly diseases were now being forgotten because people (particularly my generation) had not seen things at their worst. She made me realise how lucky we are. I'm now 30. My kids are vaccinated, hubs and I have been boosted, as have all relatives. I teach and it's horrific hearing the lingering whoop from whooping cough in big kids. Learn from science and history people!
My 5 week old baby girl had whooping cough. She laid in my arms unable to breath. Thanks to all the incredible staff at the Melbourne children's hospital who saved her life. It is a horrible disease and it amazes me that this happened to us 5 years ago and it is still killing babies in Australia