Pertussis cases have spiked this year in communities with low vaccination rates located mostly in Jerusalem and nearby Beit Shemesh and Beitar Ilit. Almost half of the children infected with whooping cough have been aged under 12 months and a recent death occurred in an unvaccinated baby under three months of age. In responding to the outbreak, the health department has lowered the age for the first dose of a pertussis-containing vaccine for babies from two months to six weeks. Read more
Advice for travellers
Travelvax Australia recommends that all travellers ensure they are current for whooping cough (pertussis) and all childhood vaccinations, including, diphtheria, measles, chickenpox and tetanus for travel to any destination – be it a developed or developing country. Read more about pertussis.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.