Whooping Cough Vax?

**Cupcake** · January 20th, 2010, 02:32 PM

I was curious who has/hasnt had the whooping cough vaccination?

Friends of ours had a baby recently and anyone who hadnt had the vaccine wasnt allowed to hold bubs (i think until she was old enough to be vaccinated?) and was wondering if this was a little over the top or totally called for?

Im not sure what to do in regards to when i give birth, id hate to give my baby whooping cough, you see those posters everywhere saying a massive % of babies who have it have gotten it from a parent?

Any thoughts?

**AliB** · January 20th, 2010, 02:51 PM

Hi Ammaki

At our hospital, new mums can have the shot before they head home with bub. Just remember to ask about it.

My DP and all the grandparents have had theirs so it's just me left!

**ss_storm** · January 20th, 2010, 07:07 PM

I don't think you can have it while you are pg, but I would definitely get it done once bubs is born..whooping cough is horrible and considering there is an outbreak of it at the moment (or there was when DD was born, not sure if it is still going) I didn't want to take any chances. Baby can't get it until their 2 month vacs (which apparently they can now have as early as 6 weeks) so any 'extra' precautions you can take, I would be doing as IMO it's just not worth the risk.

We didn't have many visitors at first, our family all lives a fair distance from us and we didn't have any friends that came over, so weren't too worried about it being transmitted by family/friends. They do recommend that anyone who will be in close contact (and I would assume fairly regular contact) gets it done before baby arrives, so if there are any family members that would be seeing you & bub on a regular basis then it might be a good idea just to mention it to them.

**Pandora** · January 20th, 2010, 07:09 PM

anyone who has had a baby from jun 15 2009 can have it for free you just have to ask. Im not sure how long this is available for. the clinic practice nurse at my gp snuck me one cos i messed out bya month

**melbel** · January 20th, 2010, 07:31 PM

both parents are eligible for the free vaccine at birth...it runs out at the end of June this year..for other family members it is about $60 a shot........we are just doing all this now...grandparents getting theirs next week us when bubs is born.......

**Pandora** · January 20th, 2010, 07:39 PM

oh, call your council and ask about pricing for boostrix (adult whooping cough vaccine) its $37 at ours, so sounds like it varies a bit.

**kawazuki** · January 21st, 2010, 06:50 AM

anyone who has a child under 1 or is a grandparent with regular contact or works with children is allowed to get BOOSTRIX for free under the National immunisation programme. it is also available free for teh over 65 as well

it is not reccomended you have it while pregnant but once you have had bub the hospital should offer this to you and is usually one fo teh questions they ask at booking in and can note it on your records.

also siblings of the baby are able to get the vax for free if they have not already had it under the NIP.

if you are unsure if any children have had it you can check via ACIR on teh medicare website only need your emdicare details and date of birth to find it out.

also if you can prove you are planning on becoming pregnant it is free. well we hjave been giving it for free lol

**Cupcake** · January 21st, 2010, 07:26 AM

Oh awesome thanks guys, i think there will be a lot of people wanting to visit, might just have to mention to everyone to have it done lol.

Will ask my GP at my next appointment!

**Pandora** · January 21st, 2010, 07:31 AM

anyone who has a child under 1 or is a grandparent with regular contact or works with children is allowed to get BOOSTRIX for free under the National immunisation programme. it is also available free for teh over 65 as well

Thats only for NSW, where the epidemic is/started.

I know in Victoria its for new parents only, of babies born since 15 June, and has been extended to finish in June 2010

**Cupcake** · January 21st, 2010, 07:48 AM

Hmm im in QLD & bubs is due in July?

**Heaven** · January 21st, 2010, 08:39 AM

I am in QLD too Ammaki and no one ever mentioned it to me.

**AliB** · January 21st, 2010, 08:45 AM

OK - in Qld it is currently available free to parents. (My parents in Cairns tried a few months ago and couldn't get it for free as grandparents).

Here is qld health website - it says that this webpage is valid until August 2010.
Free whooping cough vaccine for new parents - Queensland Health

**skybie** · January 21st, 2010, 08:58 AM

i was never offered it in hospital (melb) but went and got myself and my partner done afterwards.
i do think its a little bit over the top about not holding the baby for 2 months, but that being said, babies catch it generally from being in close contact with an adult (usually a parent)

**Cupcake** · January 21st, 2010, 09:14 AM

Thanks Ali that page was really helpful! My mum and sisters are planning on staying with us for a little while around my due date so she will have to arrange that for them i think

**kawazuki** · January 21st, 2010, 09:18 AM

i got an up[date through work from teh National immunisation programme and as far as i was aware that included all of australia, it had only been updated maybe 2 weeks ago if that.

so double check with your GP..

**melbel** · January 21st, 2010, 09:25 AM

Here's the Victoria details:

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/__data/...ussis_prev.pdf

definitely not free for grandparents Australia wide....is discretionary state by state. I just rang the state health department and checked......