Whooping cough warning

Press, 16 August 1978, Page 15

Whooping cough warning

There is no suggestion yet of a whooping cough epidemic in New Zealand, but parents must ensure that their children receive whooping cough vaccine, according to a spokesman for the Department of Health. Dr M. A. Brieseman, medical officer of health in Christchurch, said the reports about the whooping < ough epidemic sweeping Britain had important implications for New Zeaalnd. Many parents in Britain had been -eluctant to have their children vaccinated against the condition because of reports that the vaccine migh’ cause brain damage, he said.

Figures for England and Wales as at July 21 this year showed that there had been 31,360 cases of whooping cough, and nine deaths. Dr Brieseman said that the vaccine used in New Zealand was similar to that . used in Britain and was included in the triple vaccinations. which also included vaccines for tetanus and diptheria. “The risk fro; not taking I the vaccine is infinitely greater than if the vaccine 'is administered.” he said “The public must realise that if the vaccine is not taken, the chance of an outbreak of whooping cough is; igreatly increased.” |