FEARS are building of a whooping cough epidemic, spurring health authorities to provide free vaccinations to women in the third trimester of pregnancy.
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The Southern NSW Health District said new evidence showed vaccination of pregnant women could later protect their newborn infants.
Tracey Oakman, district public health director, said NSW Health would fund the initiative during a current outbreak of the respiratory disease, also known as pertussis.
“We urge pregnant women to ensure they are vaccinated in their third trimester, ideally at 28-32 weeks, as it offers the best protection for babies until their first vaccination at six-to-eight weeks of age,” Mrs Oakman said.
The National Health and Medical Research Council updated its advice after a review of evidence showed immunising pregnant mothers in the third trimester significantly reduced the incidence of whooping cough in newborn babies, and therefore lessened the risk of infant death.
“Whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy has been studied in more than 37,000
women in the United States and the United Kingdom and is shown to be very safe,” said Mrs Oakman.
“Studies in the UK, United States and Israel provide evidence that the best way to protect infants too young to be vaccinated themselves – who are at highest risk of morbidity and mortality – is through vaccinating the mother during pregnancy.
“It is vital that parents also ensure all their children are up to date with their vaccinations to minimise the risk of whooping cough circulating in the family.
"Adults in close contact with young babies should also discuss the benefits of the vaccine, which is available on prescription, with their GP.
“Whooping cough is easily spread to new babies, so it’s important to keep people with coughs away from them, in case they have whooping cough or other nasty infections."
Pertussis disease notifications in NSW have been increasing since mid-2014.
The southern district had 173 pertussis notifications in 2014, and 39 this year so far.
“Epidemics of pertussis occur about every three to four years, as community immunity wears down," Mrs Oakman said.
"The last outbreak was in early 2012 and we are seeing the kinds of
numbers that may indicate be heading towards another epidemic,” said Mrs Oakman.
Pertussis is a serious respiratory infection that causes a long coughing illness. In babies, the infection can sometimes lead to pneumonia and occasionally brain damage, and can be life threatening.
For 24-hour information phone Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.