Shared Antenatal Care

Shared Antenatal Care is provided by accredited GPs in combination with the antenatal clinic at Hornsby Hospital.

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Boostrix also referred to as “whooping cough vaccine” is available to all pregnant women between 28–38 weeks gestation free of charge as part of a government funded initiative. For relatives, close friends and other members of the public, Boostrix is available to purchase and in stock at our practice. It is highly recommended that all new fathers, grandparents and close relatives be vaccinated for whooping cough, prior to contact with the newborn baby.

What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis and is spread by droplets from coughing and sneezing to 70–100% of susceptible household contacts and 50–80% of susceptible school contacts. Susceptible people are those who are either unvaccinated or have waning immunity since childhood vaccines. Whooping cough is particularly serious in infants under 12 months of age, while older children and adults usually have a milder disease. 

What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms may vary for different ages but first symptoms are usually similar to a cold. Severe cases develop sudden attacks of repetitive coughing and often a characteristic ‘whoop’ as the person gasps for breath. Not all cases get the ‘whoop’. Babies may have pauses in breathing (apnoea). Vomiting often follows a coughing spasm. A person with whooping cough is infectious for up to three weeks after they start coughing. The cough may last for months.

Who should be Immunised?
Vaccination is the best way to protect against these diseases. BOOSTRIX vaccine cannot give your child diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis infection. The vaccine will not protect against diseases caused by other types of bacteria or organisms.  Babies are at risk from birth as no pertussis protection is passed from mother to newborn infant. Complete immunisation of children and new parents remains the most effective measure to control whooping cough.

 

Pertussis vaccination is offered as part of the government funded immunisation program for children at two, four, six months, eighteen months, at four years and in Year 7 at High School.

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