Protect baby from pertussis

Parents and family members are the main source of pertussis infection in babies. You need to respond opportunistically to families presenting to the clinic by considering if immunisation is due for all family members. The following key messages should be considered when talking with parents of newborns:

• Ensure baby is vaccinated on time at two, four and six months of age. The first vaccines can be given as early as six weeks of age for parental convenience such as attending the clinic for another purpose or travel.
• Ensure baby's siblings are up to date with their pertussis vaccines. The four year old booster vaccines can be given as early as three years and six months of age for parental convenience if attending the clinic for another purpose. Another pertussis booster vaccine is recommended for adolescents in Year 10 of secondary school.
• Make sure parents have a Boostrix® vaccine. BoostrixR is currently free for parents of newborns. Anyone who cares for the infant should also be vaccinated however this is not a free vaccine for everyone.

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