Free whooping cough vaccinations available
Free whooping cough vaccinations are now available to all West Australian parents of young babies.
Whooping cough epidemics occurred every few years. In Western Australia, numbers are on the rise for the first time since the last severe epidemic in 2004.
Whooping cough can cause severe health problems in young babies, including pneumonia, seizures and in some cases, permanent disability or death.
Australian research has shown that about 50 per cent of babies who catch whooping cough get it from a family member, most usually a parent.
The free vaccines will be available from maternity hospitals and community health immunisation centres until June 30, 2011, with a possible extension pending an assessment of uptake and ongoing need.
New parents can get more information about the pertussis vaccine at:
http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/cproot/3581/2/adacel_CMI.pdf or by telephoning the Communicable Disease Control Directorate on 9388 4863.
Whooping cough epidemics occurred every few years. In Western Australia, numbers are on the rise for the first time since the last severe epidemic in 2004.
Whooping cough can cause severe health problems in young babies, including pneumonia, seizures and in some cases, permanent disability or death.
Australian research has shown that about 50 per cent of babies who catch whooping cough get it from a family member, most usually a parent.
The free vaccines will be available from maternity hospitals and community health immunisation centres until June 30, 2011, with a possible extension pending an assessment of uptake and ongoing need.
New parents can get more information about the pertussis vaccine at:
http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/cproot/3581/2/adacel_CMI.pdf or by telephoning the Communicable Disease Control Directorate on 9388 4863.
.
Electorate Office: Unit 1, Druids Hall, Corner Durlacher and Sanford Streets, Geraldton, WA 6530. PO Box 231, Geraldton, WA 6531
Ph: +61 (08) 9923 9211; Fax: +61 (08) 9923 9222; Email: brian.ellis@mp.wa.gov.au
Ph: +61 (08) 9923 9211; Fax: +61 (08) 9923 9222; Email: brian.ellis@mp.wa.gov.au
Copyright Brian Ellis MLC © 2009 - 2011