Topic: School Based Vaccination Program - Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccination - Year 10 students
Description
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends various vaccines for adolescents to protect them through to adulthood.
Coordinated by Queensland Health, the School Based Vaccination Program provides parents/guardians with the opportunity to have their children vaccinated against certain diseases through their school at no cost. The Program is offered to children of secondary school age in state and non-state schools.
The following information provides advice on the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine for Year 10 students.
Practical Advice
The diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) vaccine covers the following diseases.
- Diphtheria is caused by bacteria that infect the mouth, throat and nose. The infection causes an extremely sore throat and breathing difficulties. The bacteria release a toxin which can produce nerve paralysis and heart failure. About one in 15 people infected with diphtheria will die.
- Tetanus occurs when wounds are infected by bacteria which are present in the soil. The bacteria produce a powerful toxin that causes painful muscle spasms, convulsions and lockjaw. About three per cent of people who develop tetanus will die as a result of the disease. The risk is greatest for very young or elderly people.
- Pertussis (whooping cough) is caused by highly contagious bacteria spread by respiratory droplets. The characteristic symptoms are severe coughing spasms followed by gagging or vomiting. Sometimes the person may gasp for air causing a 'whooping' sound. The cough may last for months. Complications of whooping cough include convulsions, pneumonia, coma, inflammation of the brain, permanent brain damage and long-term lung damage. About one in 200 whooping cough patients under the age of six months dies from pneumonia or brain damage. Epidemics of whooping cough occur in Australia every three to four years. Adults and adolescents whose immunity has waned are at particular risk of contracting whooping cough and can pass the disease on to babies who are too young to be immunised.
Eligibility for vaccine
As part of the School Based Vaccination Program, every Year 10 student is offered a free booster dose of adult/adolescent diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) (dTpa) vaccine. This is part of the National Immunisation Program.
The last time your child was likely to have received vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus-and whooping cough was when they were pre-school age. A booster is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for 15 year olds to ensure they continue to have immunity against these diseases.
Vaccine is also free for adolescents not at school who would normally be in Year 10.
What if my Year 10 child has already received a tetanus vaccine or a diphtheria-tetanus vaccine, eg. ADT?
Students should be vaccinated with dTpa vaccine to provide protection against whooping cough as well as diphtheria and tetanus. There is no minimum time to wait between other previously administered diphtheria and/or tetanus containing vaccines and dTpa.
What if my child can't be vaccinated at school or misses out because of illness or absence?
If your child can't be vaccinated at school:
- they can attend a catch-up session if offered by the same service provider in the same calendar year (ask service provider for details); or
- you can take your child to your doctor before the end of the following year, however be aware you may have to pay a consultation fee. The vaccine is free.
If you plan to take your child to your doctor, you will need to advise the practice reception what vaccination/s you need when you make the appointment. This allows the practice time to order vaccine.
You are strongly encouraged to have your child vaccinated in the year the vaccine is offered in the school program.
Other Resources
For further information, see the School Based Vaccination Program website
Contact the School Based Vaccination Program Co-ordinator:
- Southern Queensland 07 5509 7222
- Central Queensland 07 3142 1800
- Northern Queensland 07 4753 9034
Contact your local Queensland Health Public Health Unit:
- Brisbane Southside 07 3000 9148
- Brisbane Northside 07 3624 1111
- Cairns 07 4050 3600
- Darling Downs 07 4631 9888
- Gold Coast 07 5509 7222
- Logan 07 3412 2989
- Mackay 07 4968 6611
- Moreton Bay 07 3142 1800
- Mount Isa 07 4744 9100
- Rockhampton 07 4920 6989
- Sunshine Coast 07 5409 6600
- Townsville 07 4753 9000
- West Moreton 07 3413 1200
- Wide Bay 07 4184 1800
Visit the Immunise Australia website at www.immunise.health.gov.au
Contact your doctor.
Contact the Immunise Australia National Infoline: 1800 671 811
Related Content
School Based Vaccination Program factsheet
Communicable Diseases factsheet - Diphtheria
Communicable Diseases factsheet - Tetanus
Communicable Diseases factsheet - Pertussis
Last updated: 15th September, 2010
Review Date: 31st December, 2010
