Amie's Story

After four agonising days for her parents, hoping she would recover, Amie passed away. It was not until later that her parents learned Amie had whooping cough. Her Mum also tested positive. It was 1997 and, at that time, no vaccination for whooping cough was available to pregnant women and Amie was too young to be vaccinated.

Definition: Whooping cough is a bacterial infection caused by bordetella pertussis.

Symptoms: Sneezing, blocked nose, raised temperature, coughing that becomes persistent and may have a ‘whoop’ sound and may lead to vomiting.

Prevention: Vaccination is highly effective against whooping cough and offers the best protection. Vaccination is recommended for infants, young children, adolescents and during all pregnancies. Adult boosters are recommended every ten years for full immunity and especially for those in special risk groups, those in contact with babies and young children including early childhood educators, carers and healthcare workers.

Access: Vaccination is available through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, pharmacies, community health centres and immunisation clinics. Vaccination is free for those eligible through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) including babies from two months, adolescents, pregnant women (20 – 32 weeks).

Whooping cough is a vaccine preventable disease.