Protect against cough

After a rise in incidence last year, Baw Baw Shire is urging parents of newborn children to receive a free whooping cough immunisation to prevent the risk of infection.

Individuals that meet eligibility for the free vaccinations include: pregnant women from 28 weeks and their partners; and parents and guardians of babies born on or after June 1, 2015 if the baby is under six months of age and they have not received a booster dose in the last 10 years.

The free vaccination is a health initiative taken by the Victorian Government to protect individuals from the potentially fatal disease after a rise in incidence last year.

Whooping cough vaccinations are available at council’s monthly immuni- sation sessions in Drouin, Warragul and Trafalgar. No bookings are necessary for these sessions.

Baw Baw Shire community services director Liana Thompson encouraged all parents to take advantage of the free sessions.

“The health and wellbeing of all newborn children should be a high priority for all individuals in our community,” said Ms Thompson. “By ensuring residents are immunised against whooping cough we can help prevent future rises of the infection.”

“This program is a great initiative for new parents to take all measures available to ensure the safety of their child,” she added.

For further information, visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au or call the shire on 5624 2411.