- request to extend the National Immunisation Program for pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine to include parents of new-born babies
GSK is disappointed by the PBAC decision.
Despite the PBAC decision, pertussis vaccination of parents remains a worthy strategy to help reduce exposure of vulnerable young infants to pertussis (whooping cough).1,7,9 This is reflected in the recommendations of medical experts and Australian immunisation guidelines.1
We will continue to work with governments around the country to support vaccination programs aimed at reducing exposure of the very young to pertussis (whooping cough).1-11
We will continue to work with the PBAC to establish that a consistent, national approach to pertussis control in Australia is cost-effective.
GSK’s PBAC submission was for active pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination of both parents of newborn infants, at or around the time of birth of their child, where there is no documented evidence of a dTpa (combined diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine) booster having been received in the previous ten years. No catch up program was proposed.
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The July 2011 PBAC meeting outcomes are available on the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing website at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/pbacrec-july11.
GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.au
Enquiries:
Angela Hill
0449 953 032
References
1. Australian Immunisation Handbook 2008
2. Department of Health, Victorian Government. Immunisation factsheet : Free whooping cough vaccine. Accessed 17th August 2011. Available at:
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/fact-sheets/factsheets/free-whooping-cough-vaccine
3.Department of Health, NSW Government. Immunisation for Whooping Cough (pertussis). Accessed 17th August 2011. Available at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/PublicHealth/Infectious/whoopingcough/workers_immunisation.asp
4. Department of Health, Queensland Government. Free whooping cough vaccine for new parents. Accessed: 17th August 2011. Available Here
5. Department of Health, Northern Territory. Adult Immunisation Programs. Accessed: 17th August 2011. Available at: http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Centre_for_Disease_Control/Immunisation/index.aspx
6. Department of Health, Australian Capital Territory. Pertussis (whooping cough). Accessed: 17th August 2011. Available at: http://www.health.act.gov.au/c/health?a=&did=11060093
7. Boostrix Product Information
8. Infanrix hexa Product Information
9. Adacel Product Information
10. Pertussis in the acellular vaccine era. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2004; 23(3): 246-252 Infanrix IPV Product Information
11. Quadracel Product Information
