Parents Should Be Vaccinated To Beat Whooping Cough Infections Boost, RACGP, Australia

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 12 Jan 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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The Western Australia Faculty of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is recommending parents of young children (aged less than 6 months) be vaccinated against whooping cough (pertussis). Parents can be vaccinated at the same time as bringing their children in for routine childhood immunisations. The call coincides with a rise in reported whooping cough infections as compared to 2007 figures.

"Pertussis is highly infectious, is transmitted by respiratory droplets and can infect people in all age groups. In fact, kids can often catch pertussis through contact with adults," said Dr Peter Maguire, Chair, RACGP Western Australia Faculty.

"We know that whooping cough is particularly dangerous for babies younger than six months old. Young babies are more seriously affected by the disease and are more likely to develop additional complications or die from the condition.

"Prevention is always better than the cure and we know that immunisation is the best way to prevent whooping cough. Parents should consider immunisation for themselves as another line of defence against this infection; immunisation can protect them and their families during this time of increased infection rates," said Dr Maguire.

Pertussis vaccination is available for parents as a private prescription for approximately $35.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is responsible for maintaining standards for quality clinical practice, education and training, and research in Australian general practice. The RACGP has the largest general practitioner membership of any medical organisation in Australia and represents the majority of Australia's general practitioners.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners