Whooping Cough in Victoria

A. The number of people who have been diagnosed with whooping cough:

B. FREE Adult whooping cough vaccination program:

Australia is currently experiencing an epidemic of whooping cough. In light of this, some states and territories are offering free adult whooping cough vaccinations for certain groups who have close contact with newborns.

1. WHO: parents, adoptive parents and foster parents of new babies as soon as possible after the birth of the baby. It is also available free to the partner of a pregnant woman at any time during the pregnancy.
2. WHERE: Vaccine will be available via most immunisation providers, GPs, Hospitals and some local councils.
3. WHEN: program runs until 30 June 2012

Please refer to the State Health Department website for up-to-date program information.

A single booster dose of adult whooping cough vaccine is recommended for all adults planning a pregnancy, for both parents as soon as possible after delivery of an infant, grandparents, healthcare and childcare workers.²

C. Local media articles on whooping cough

• ‘Cocoon’ strategy to fight epidemic
• Free whooping cough vaccine extension for new parents
• Whooping cough vaccine to remain free
• Free jab on cough strife continuing in Knox
• Curb the cough in the Macedon Ranges
• Whooping cough strikes Geelong hard
• Whooping cough cases soar in Yarra Ranges