Expectant parents and those with newborns will soon get the whooping cough vaccination for free.
The state government last week announced the Parents Whooping Cough Vaccination Program would make vaccines available to pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation, and their partners, as of June 1 this year.
Funding of $8.4 million has been allocated for the vaccinations. All parents and guardians of newborns under six months and those whose babies are born after June 1 will also be eligible.
Melton MP Don Nardella said the state government was making it clear that vaccinations are vital to protect children.
“Whooping cough can be deadly, especially for newborns,” Mr Nardella said. “This free vaccination program for mums and dads will protect our youngest from this deadly disease.”
Mr Nardella said under the program, which was axed by the previous government, parents who had not had a whooping cough vaccine booster in the past 10 years are also eligible.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease that affects airways and breathing. Severe coughing spasms can lead to such complications as haemorrhage, convulsions, pneumonia, encephalitis and even death.
For more information, including for key immunisation dates, go online at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
