The vaccination for
antenatal pertussis
(aka whooping cough)
Scroll down to follow the
path of the vaccine.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an extremely contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
The disease can cause months of uncontrolled coughing and vomiting, and is particularly dangerous for babies under 12 months.
Let’s follow the vaccine to ensure a safe and effective vaccination encounter.
One person must be responsible for ordering the vaccine. Go to nsw.csldirect.com.au for the online ordering system.
The Cold Chain is the system of transporting and storing vaccines within the safe temperature range of 2°C to 8°C. Strive for 5°C.
Vaccines are delicate biological substances. They can become less effective or destroyed if they are frozen, allowed to get too warm, or exposed to direct sunlight or UV light, including fluorescent light.
Immediately upon opening the vaccine delivery, check the heat and cold monitors.
Cold monitor
The ColdMark indicator shows whether the
vaccine has been exposed to freezing.
A clear bulb
OK to use
A milky white or violet bulb
Do not use
Heat monitor
If the inner circle of the heat monitor is darker
than the outside circle, then the vaccine has been
exposed to temperatures above the threshold.
OK to use
Do not use
The refrigerator's minimum and maximum temperature needs to be recorded twice a day and again on receipt of vaccines.
Once the new delivery has been documented on the monitoring chart the fridge can be stocked.
- Be mindful of how long the refrigerator is open.
- Keep the vaccines in the original packaging and do not expose to light.
- Check expiry dates and bring the vaccines with the shortest dates to the front of the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to use the vaccine, take it from the front and check its expiry date.
Remove the vaccine from its packaging and check the vaccine according to the local health district orders.
The deltoid muscle is the recommended site for intramuscular (IM) administration of vaccines.
Once the vaccine has been administered, observe for any signs of a serious adverse event. If a serious reaction occurs, it is likely to be within 15 minutes.
And lastly..
Record the vaccination in the:
- maternity database
- medical record
- antenatal record and adult vaccination record card.
Useful resources
Vaccination program guidelines and staff decision aid
Other relevant resources
- The Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Immunisation Myths and Realities: responding to arguments against immunisation
- National Vaccine Storage Guidelines: Strive for 5
- PD2013_043 Medication Handling in NSW Public Health Facilities
- Boostrix® CMI
- Save the date to vaccinate - Campaign website
- NSW Pertussis Control Program 2015
- RANZCOG Communiqué: Pertussis immunisation in the third trimester of pregnancy