Abstract

The Pertussis Chapter, 4.12, of the 10th Edition of the Australian Immunisation Handbook has been updated and approved by the NHMRC CEO on 27 March 2015.
The Pertussis Chapter includes two changes to recommendations in the administration of pertussis containing vaccine:

  • a DTPa (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) booster at age 18 months to reduce pertussis notifications in the 1 – 3 year age group and to reduce transmission to younger siblings; and
  • a preference for pertussis vaccination (the reduced content dTpa formulation) in pregnant women (third trimester) to improve protection against pertussis in young infants.

The chapter also contains amendments which provide updated information and evidence

  • Recommendation
  • Western Pacific
  • Australia
  • Pertussis