New DTP vaccine will now be standard vaccine available for whooping cough

5/4/99
The new low-risk vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis or whooping cough (DTP) will now be the standard vaccine available for all whooping cough immunisations in Western Australia.
"I am pleased to announce that the Commonwealth Government has agreed to fund the new vaccine, known as DTPa, following intensive negotiation with the Health Department of Western Australia and other health authorities around Australia," Health Minister John Day said.
DTPa, which is an acellular whooping cough vaccine, is equal to or more effective and has less side-effects than the previous whole cell whooping cough vaccine.
"The new vaccine was released in August 1997, but the Commonwealth Government would only fund the vaccine as a booster dose for children at 18 months and four years of age," Mr Day said.
"This meant that parents who had their child vaccinated at two, four and six months of age had to either pay for DTPa vaccine themselves of have their child immunised with free DTPw vaccine.
"While DTPw protected children against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, it is generally acknowledged by doctors that DTPa is the preferred vaccine as it has less side-effects.
"The new whooping cough vaccine causes up to 10 times less crying and fever than the old whooping cough vaccine."
It is estimated that DTPa vaccines for every child under 12 months of age will cost approximately $1.6 million in WA each year.
"It is important to ensure at least 90 per cent of children are vaccinated to prevent epidemics of whooping cough," Mr Day said.
"During the last epidemic in 1997, the Health Department received more than 1,000 notifications and a 10-week old baby boy died.
"The Health Department is currently organising the distribution of DTPa vaccine throughout the State.
"I urge all parents to check that their child is fully immunised, and to contact their doctor if they have any questions concerning routine immunisation."
Media contact: Mark Thompson 9222-9595