The ACT is currently experiencing higher than usual rates of pertussis notifications.
In response to this, ACT Health is providing free pertussis vaccine to all parents and grandparents who have regular contact with infants under 12 months of age.
This vaccine can be obtained for new mothers through hospital maternity units and for the eligible groups listed, via their general practitioner.
This free vaccine will be available until 30 June 2010.
Vaccinations
The ACT is currently recording rates of pertussis well above average. Current information on rates can be found on the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System website
The higher rates reflect a similar pattern seen throughout many regions of Australia, including our nearest neighbour, NSW.
Infants too young to be fully vaccinated are most at risk of catching the disease and of suffering serious complications from pertussis. Most infants catch pertussis from their parents or close carers.
To help control the spread of this infectious condition ACT Health is providing free vaccine to parents and grandparents who have regular contact with infants under 12 months of age. This vaccine can be obtained for new mothers through hospital maternity units and for the eligible groups listed, via their general practitioner.
This free vaccine will be available until 30 June 2010.
What else can you do to protect your baby?
- Ensure your baby is vaccinated on time commencing at 2 months of age.
- Keep your baby away from anyone with a coughing illness.
- Ensure everyone in your household is up to date with their vaccinations.
- Be on the lookout for symptoms of pertussis and consult your GP if concerned (See fact sheet).
Downloads
Pertussis fact sheet
| Download: | Fact sheet (PDF File - 110k) |
Poster
| Download: | Poster (PDF File - 999k) |
