BOOSTRIX

BOOSTRIX is a vaccine used for booster vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). The vaccine is sometimes called dTpa vaccine.

Diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus are three life-threatening diseases caused by bacterial infection. The vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a bacterium that lives in the airways of humans and can also affect the skin. Generally, the airways become inflamed (swollen) causing severe breathing difficulties and sometimes suffocation. The bacteria release a toxin (poison) which can cause nerve damage, heart problems and death. The risk of serious complications and death is greater in the very young and elderly.

Tetanus (Lockjaw)

Tetanus bacteria enter the body through wounded skin. Wounds that are especially prone to infection are burn wounds, fractures, deep wounds or wounds contaminated with soil, dust, horse manure or wood splinters. The bacteria release toxins, which can cause muscle stiffness, painful spasms, fits and death. The spasm can be strong enough to cause bone fractures of the spine.

Pertussis (Whooping cough)

Pertussis is highly infectious. It affects the breathing tract causing severe spells of coughing that may interfere with normal breathing. The coughing is often accompanied by a “whooping” sound. The cough may last for 1-2 months or longer. Pertussis can also cause inner ear infections, long lasting bronchitis, pneumonia, fits, brain damage and death. The risk of severe complications and death is greatest in infants under 6 months of age.

Vaccination is the best way of protecting against these diseases.

The use of BOOSTRIX during pregnancy will help to protect your baby from whooping cough in the first few months of life before he/she receives the primary immunisation.

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Boostrix is funded from the second trimester of every pregnancy and recommended to be administered from 16 weeks, preferably within the second trimester.

Boostrix is recommended, though not funded unless provided by employers, for:

• Health care staff who work with infants less than one year of age

• Staff working in long term care facilities

• Early childhood education staff

• Students in training for occupations with children

• Household and other close contacts of infants less than one year of age

• Adults with a medical condition not specified in the Schedule but in whom prevention of pertussis is important, e.g. those with chronic respiratory/lung disease

Boostrix is funded for individuals who need a tetanus booster immunisation because of a wound and adults needing catch-up immunisation and booster immunisation at 45 years and 65 years are available. 

Boostrix can be given with flu vaccination at the same time.

Please contact us for more information or Book Here for an appointment for vaccination.

Phone: (04) 568 5357

Email: petonepharmacy@outlook.com