Whooping cough claims another life in NSW

It is with sadness that we hear of the death of another infant from Pertussis, in New South Wales. There are many silent tears being shed, right now, for this family.

The Australian Medical Association (NSW) have issued the following press release:

AMA (NSW) President: Tragic reminder of the importance of vaccination

AMA (NSW) is reminding parents to check their children’s immunisations are up-to-date following the death of a NSW infant from whooping cough.

“This is a tragic reminder of why vaccination is so important and why herd immunity is necessary to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.

“No parent should have to lose a baby to whooping cough.

“Once an infant is infected, this is a disease that can kill, despite the best efforts of parents and doctors, and the only protection we have is from vaccination,” AMA (NSW) President, Dr Saxon Smith, said.

“Some people cannot be vaccinated due to allergy or because they are too young to receive a particular vaccine.

“Their protection from diseases like whooping cough comes from herd immunity which is provided by the rest of us when vaccination rates are high,” Dr Smith, said.

“The best way to ensure you and your family are protected from diseases like whooping cough is to ensure your vaccinations, and your children’s, are up-to-date.

“This is especially important for young children, who are more vulnerable to the effects of many vaccine-preventable diseases,” Dr Smith said.

“High vaccination rates increase the effectiveness of herd immunity and stop diseases like whooping cough from getting a hold in the community.

“This is the only way we can protect the youngest of children, who do not receive their first vaccination for whooping cough until two months of age and don’t have full immunity until six months.

“However, they are the ones who can suffer the worst effects from the disease,” Dr Smith said.

“NSW Health provides a free smartphone reminder app for parents to remind them when their kids’ vaccinations fall due.

“I would encourage all parents of young children to use the Save the Date app,” Dr Smith said.

You can find out more about the NSW Health smartphone app for Android and iPhone here.

Media contact: Lachlan Jones (02) 9902 8113 / 0419 402 955

At this time no one needs to speculate about this tragedy. The family is going through the worst of times as it is. They just need love. They just need support.