Due to the increasing rise in pertussis notifications in Victoria, the Department of Health now recommends the free Boostrix vaccine be administered to partners of pregnant women at any time before the birth of the baby. Earlier administration of the vaccine will reduce the risk of the exposure of the infant to pertussis from a close contact.
Recent research in Victoria demonstrates about 50% of fathers and 70% of mothers had received Boostrix vaccine after the birth of their baby. In light of this research it is important to take every opportunity to immunise the partner of the pregnant mother as soon as possible.
Mothers should still be offered the Boostrix vaccine as soon as possible after the birth of the newborn baby and ideally before leaving hospital.
Any partner who did not receive the vaccine before the birth can continue to receive free Boostrix vaccine as soon as possible after the birth.
Boostrix vaccine is not routinely recommended for pregnant women.
Ideally anyone planning pregnancy should receive a pertussis containing vaccine however this is not a free vaccine.
