Kurrajong Public School

1111 Grose Vale Road

Kurrajong NSW 2758

Ph: 4573 1647

Email: kurrajong-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website: kurrajong-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

Principal: Miss Rosemary Richardson

20 June 2019

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Last Monday night I was lucky enough to attend the Rotary Club of Richmond’s Public Speaking evening and I must say my hope for the future of our world has been restored. Students spoke on a range of topics from assessment in schools to racism in sport. Our own Kyle W. presented an amazing speech on ‘What Australia Day means’ which was very impressive. The standard of speakers was ‘mind-blowing’.

Earlier in the day I attended Grose View Public School for the first of many events in the Arts unit’s Multicultural Public Speaking Season. We were well represented last Monday by Matilda and Bessie in the Stage 2 section and Leticia and Xylia in the Stage 3 section. Congratulations to Matilda who received a ‘highly commended’ award. Next Monday Olivia will represent us at another final to be held at Samuel Terry Public School and I wish her all the best at that event.

As mentioned the standard of speakers at these events is of the highest level I have ever seen in my 30 odd years as a teacher. The world of tomorrow is in very good hands.

Diary Dates

Notes & Money Due

Life Skills

Skyworks Incursion

Hawkesbury Enrichment Programs

General Permission note

Voluntary School Contributions

Kurrajong Public School

1111 Grose Vale Road Kurrajong NSW 2758 Ph: 4573 1647

Email: kurrajong-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: kurrajong-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

Principal: Miss Rosemary Richardson

Week 8

21 June Futsal Gala Day Band Recital Book Club Orders Close

Week 9

24 June - 28 June Hawkesbury Enrichment Programs

24 June - 28 June Kindergarten Parent/Teacher Conferences

24 June 1-6 Reports sent home

25 June Life Skills Debate @ Kurrajong P.S.

26 June Skyworks Incursion

27 June Skyworks Incursion

28 June Assembly

Week 10

1 July - 5 July Hawkesbury Enrichment Programs

1 July - 4 July Years 1-6 Parent/Teacher Conferences

2 July Life Skills

4 July Debate @ Hobartville P.S.

5 July Last day of Term 2

Term 2 Week 8

Cross Country

Eva is to congratulated for her astonishing achievement at the Sydney West Cross Country Carnival this week. As one of the representatives for our District, she proved to the competitors in the Sydney Region that she was deserving of

a place in the event.

Eva was awarded first place in the 11 year old event. She won well ahead of the other competitors in her race and overtook some of the competitors in the other divisions. Eva humbly conducted herself with pride and honour, congratulating each competitor who followed her over the finish line.

Eva is one of our many dedicated students who prove that through hard work, focus, commitment and determination, goals can be achieved.

She will compete at State level on Friday 26 July. Good luck!

Year 6 Transition Program

On Tuesday, the Year 6 students attended their first transition day at Richmond North Public School. A select group of Year 11 students led the Year 6 students through a variety of activities to assist students in dealing with the transition process as they complete their final year of primary school.

Students participated in activities that focus on skills such as team building, understanding feelings, interpreting facial expressions and friendship. Students had the opportunity to hear first-hand from the Year 11 students about high school life. Students were grouped with other Year 6 children from local feeder schools.

We hope they had a wonderful day and were able to further establish new friendships with students from their cohort, as well as ease some of their anxiety during this transitional phase of learning.

Next term the students will have the opportunity to participate in a transition day at Colo High School as well as an Ambassador visit.

Maths Olympiad

Congratulations to the 14 Stage 3 students participating in the 2019 Maths Olympiad. They have completed two out of the five tests and the remaining three will be completed in Term 3.

Please note the change of date for Olympiad 3 to Tuesday 30 July to ensure students do not miss the Athletics Carnival - Field Events.

ICAS

This year, the University of New South Wales ICAS tests will be completed online during school hours. Each test costs $15.95 and are open to the age groups listed below.

Payment must be made directly to the UNSW Global Parent Payment System using our schools unique access code.

Website: unsw.global/parentpay Access Code: f2055f1d90

A permission note will be sent home today. Payments and notes must be completed by 31 July 2019. Payments are to be made directly to UNSW and not through the school.

Student Reports and Parent/Teacher Conferences

A reminder that Kindergarten reports were sent home yesterday, Wednesday 19 June and Years 1-6 reports will be going home next Monday 24 June.

Parent/teacher conferences will occur from Monday 24 June to Thursday 28 June for Kindergarten and Monday 1 July to Thursday 4 July for years 1-6.

Health Reminders

Recently we had several confirmed cases of Influenza A and Whooping Cough at the school. Attached to the back of this newsletter you will find Factsheets for both of these Infectious Diseases. Please take time to read and familiarise yourself and families with the symptoms. prevention and treatments. If your child/children is tested and confirmed by a doctor to have either of these illnesses, please contact the school straight away.

Resilience Respect Responsibility Excellence

Test Class Date

Digital Technologies Years 3-6 2/9/19

Science Years 2-6 4/9/19

Writing Years 3-6 9/9/19

Spelling Years 2-6 11/9/19

English Years 2-6 16/9/19

Mathematics Years 2-6 18/9/19

ACARA Trial Due to the successful implementation of NAPLAN online testing, Kurrajong PS has been selected by ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) to participate in the 2019 NAPLAN item trial .The aim of the trial is evaluate NAPLAN test items that are under consideration for inclusion in future tests.

Kurrajong PS has been scheduled to participate in these trials on Monday 29 July (Year 3) and Tuesday 30 July (Year 5).

Book Club

Issue 4 the Scholastic Book Club catalogue is now open for orders! Our school receives rewards points with every book club purchase which allow us to get free resources for our school library each term. Ordering is easy; just use the Book Club LOOP platform which allows you to order and pay online. Orders will be delivered to Kurrajong PS and then handed out to your child. You can place an order at scholastic.com.au/LOOP or use the LOOP app.

Orders can only be placed through scholastic and are not

accepted at the school.

Orders need to be placed by TOMORROW 21 June, 2019. Please select the GIFT setting when ordering if you do not want your child to receive the items at school. These items can then be collected from the front office. Catalogues were distributed during week 6. If you have any questions please contact Mrs Gaffey.

Resilience Respect Responsibility Excellence

Awards

Merit Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have been recognised for their efforts.

Term 2 Week 7

Silver Awards Liam C., Isaac R., Ashley M., Harrison L., Jayden, Malakai, Miranda, Elsie, Evie N., Eloise, Tara

Gold Awards Tully B., Hannah

Week 7 Assembly

K Purple Audrey, Mackenzie, Xavier

K/1 Purple Mason, Oscar, Lachlan

1 Red Joel, Vincent, Max, Harper

1/2 Blue Finn, Hamish, Lachlan, Aria

2 Green Annabelle, Jeremy, Elsie, Zoe

3/4 Aqua Ava, Riley, Dominic, Ella

3/4 Yellow Sarah, Clare, Tamika, Archie

3/4 Orange Bella, Georgia, Hannah, Kyan

5/6 Lime Elodie, Jake, Michael, Sienna

5/6 Teal Bella, Hayden, Evie

5/6 Crimson Scarlett, Emy, Cooper, Leticia

Core Values Joel M., Lily B., Josie F., Willow M.

Benson Bear 1/2 Blue

Fox Sports Award Jonas, Eva

Band Award Ashley G.

Resilience Respect Responsibility Excellence

Please contact one of our wonderful committee members to help out.

Lisa Turner - 0419 426 829 Cathy Froemel - 0409 984 195 Ericka Dobbins - 0409 045 478 Jane Young - 0414 932 336

TERM 2 2019

8 Monday 17 June Brooke Malouf

Wade Marionneaux

Wednesday 19 June Amy Poole

Julie Chegwidden

Friday 21 June LIMITED SERVICES

9 Monday 24 June

Wade Marionneaux Pearl Butcher

Wednesday 26 June Dee Gawne Cat Mount

Friday 28 June Brendan Pierce

Lisa Turner? Sophie Corr

10 Monday 1 July

Wade Marionneaux Brooke Malouf

Wednesday 3 July Amy Poole

Julie Chegwidden

Friday 5 July

Resilience Respect Responsibility Excellence

Canteen Roster

TERM 3 2019

1 Monday 22 July

CANTEEN CLOSED

Wednesday 24 July

Friday 26 July Lisa Turner

2 Monday 29 July Wednesday 31 July Friday 2 August

CANTEEN CLOSED DUE TO ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

3 Monday 5 August Wednesday 7 August Friday 9 August

4 Monday 12 August Wednesday 14 August Friday 16 August

5 Monday 19 August Wednesday 21 August Friday 23 August

6 Monday 26 August Wednesday 28 August Friday 30 August

7 Monday 2 September Wednesday 4 September Friday 6 September

8 Monday 9 September Wednesday 11 September Friday 13 September

9 Monday 16 September Wednesday 18 September Friday 20 September

CANTEEN CLOSED DUE TO SPRING FAIR

10 Monday 23 September Wednesday 25 September Friday 27 September

CANTEEN CLOSED

Menu updated April 2019

Recess/Lunch orders must have student's name/class clearly marked & be received at the canteen by 9.15am.

RECESS/SNACKS FRESH FRUIT & VEGRice Bites (plain) 0.80 Fruit & veg (apples, oranges, bananas, carrots, 0.50

Red Rock Deli Chips (plain) 1.00 cucumber) are available before school for

Weet-Bix Go Mini's 1.00 Munch & Crunch, or any time for Recess & Lunch.

Pikelet 0.30 Apples are slinkied for free, including apples

Cheese Melt (half roll) 0.60 from home.

Banana Bread (buttered & toasted) 2.00

G.F. Banana Bread (buttered & toasted) 2.50 DRINKSMainland Cheese & Crackers 1.50 Blue Mountains Spring Water, 350ml 0.60

Blue Mountains Spring Water, 600ml 1.00

Oak Light (chocolate, strawberry), 300ml 1.20

Plain Milk, 300ml 1.20

Fruit Juice (apple, apple & blackcurrant, orange) 1.20

Sanitarium Up & Go (chocolate, strawberry, banana, 2.00

vanilla, caramel)

G.F. Sanitarium Up & Go (chocolate, vanilla) 2.50

LUNCHSALAD PACK HOT FOOD

Includes tomato, lettuce, beetroot, 3.00 Tomato/BBQ Sauce Sachet 0.20

carrot, cucumber, cheese Corn on the Cob 0.80

add Boiled Egg 0.50 Chicken Chips (each) 0.50

add Tuna 1.00 Pizza (hawaiian) 2.20

add Ham 1.50 Sausage Roll 2.50

add 4 Chicken Chips 2.00 Chicken Noodles 2.50

Beef Pie 2.50

SUSHI Macaroni & Cheese 3.50

Tuna & Corn Nori Roll 2.00 Butter Chicken w/ Rice 3.50

Soy Sauce 0.20 Bolognaise Pasta Bake 3.50

Nachos 4.00

SANDWICHES Chicken Chip Wrap (4 chicken chips/lettuce/mayo) 3.00

(wholemeal bread unless white requested) Grilled Chicken Burger (lettuce/tomato/mayo on a roll) 3.00

Sandwich One Filling 2.00 Hero Beef Burger (cheese/tomato sauce on a roll) 3.00

Two Fillings 2.50 Gluten Free

Three Plus Fillings 3.00 Lasagna 3.50

Wrap/Roll One Filling 2.00 Macaroni & Cheese 3.50

Two Fillings 2.50 Nachos 4.00

Three Plus Fillings 3.00 Beef Pie 4.00

Fillings:

Vegemite FROZEN ITEMS

Cheese Quelch 99% Juice Stick (half) 0.30

Egg Quelch 99% Juice Stick (whole) 0.60

Ham Proud & Punch Iceblock 1.30

Tuna Coconut Iceblock (strawberry & mango) 1.50

Tomato Frozen Yoghurt (choc/vanilla & watermelon/mango) 1.60

Spaghetti or Baked Beans - toasted Frozen Fruit (pineapple, orange, grapes, banana) 0.50

Salad (tomato, lettuce, beetroot, carrot, cucumber)

Kurrajong Public SchoolCanteen Price List

Canteen opens at 8.45am for sales of fruit, drinks & toast for Breakfast.

Resilience Respect Responsibility Excellence

Resilience Respect Responsibility Excellence

Advertising

OPAL CARD INFORMATION

https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/home#/

howToApply HOW TO APPLY FOR ALL OPAL PASS? Apply online for all school travel passes Who needs to submit a new application? How to apply Medical or other special circumstances If parents live separately (shared parental re-

sponsibility) What happen once I submit my application? Unsuccessful applications Request a review by transport for NSW Appeals to the SSTS appeals panel

KURRAJONG PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING

If you are interested in advertising in our

school newsletter,

please contact the office staff for rates.

providing quality public transport

Busways Group Pty Ltd

5 Bridge St, Pymble NSW 2073

www.busways.com.au

Busways Blacktown P/L

ABN 86 000 173 437

T (02) 9625 8900

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Penrith Depot

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47-53 Mullins Rd

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Windsor Depot

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Busways Gosford P/L

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Busways Wyong P/L

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Busways North Coast

P/L

ABN 75 106 202 340

T (02) 6583 2499

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6-8 Denham St

Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Does your child catch a school bus? Help them keep it!

As the bus operator that providing your child’s school bus services, we’re asking for your help getting

your child to use their Opal card on every bus trip.

Since the introduction of the School Opal card in 2016, school bus patronage data has significantly

dropped. This is not reflected in the number of students actually travelling on our buses for various

reasons a large number of students are consistently not using their Opal cards as they should be.

Opal data gathered by tapping on and off is used by transport planners and service schedulers to

design the bus network that best serves the community utilising the resources available.

If students don’t tap on and off then school bus services will appear underutilised and may be

considered for cancellation based on low passenger numbers.

Please help us reinforce the message that tapping on and off every bus journey with an Opal card is

essential to travel on the bus. This will ensure school services continue to be planned for the

students that use it, providing the journey to school your children depend on.

To help us achieve this, please talk with your child:

• Ask them if they tap on and off the bus with their Opal card.

• If they do, congratulate them for doing the right thing and talk about why it’s important.

• If they sometimes don’t or never do, ask them why.

o Are they confused about why they have to? Talk about why it’s important, and that

every tap tells the bus planners that the bus is needed.

o Do they forget? Help them find a way to remember, such as getting into the habit of

getting their Opal card out as soon as they arrive at the bus stop or bus line.

o Is their Opal card at the bottom of their bag? Help find a handier place to keep it.

o Are they influenced by friends or peers that don’t tap? Talk about how they like to

travel on the bus with their friends and how tapping is what keeps the service

running.

o Have they lost their Opal card? To order a new Opal card visit www.opal.com.au.

If there’s another reason that you’d like to discuss with Busways, please contact us at

infoline@busways.com.au. We are happy to listen and do what we can to help your child feel

comfortable using their Opal card.

Thank you for helping us to best serve your school community.

Email:kurrajong-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Phone: (02) 4573 1647

Fax: (02) 4573 2044

Principal – Miss Rosemary Richardson

Kurrajong Public School

1111 Grose Vale Road, Kurrajong NSW 2758

Thursday 20 June 2019

2019 UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES COMPETITIONS (ICAS) - YEARS 2-6

Each year the University of New South Wales conducts a series of tests which are open, on payment of an entry fee, to primary

students. This year all tests will be completed online. These tests are OPTIONAL and will provide for those who participate, a

report and a certificate. Tests are administered at the school on the date advised, but set and marked by the University.

Students sit for these tests from throughout Australia and the Pacific area.

All tests will be conducted during school hours. Make up tests can be completed within 2 days of the original test date.

The Competitions will be held on the following dates:

Digital Technologies Years 3-6 Monday 2 September 2019 $15.95

Science Years 2-6 Wednesday 4 September 2019 $15.95

Writing Years 3-6 Monday 9 September 2019 $15.95

Spelling Years 2-6 Wednesday 11 September 2019 $15.95

English Years 2-6 Monday 16 September 2019 $15.95

Mathematics Years 2-6 Wednesday 18 September 2019 $15.95

Practice examples for the 2019 tests can be found at www.eea.unsw.edu.au.

If you would like your child to participate in any or all of these competitions when they are held later this year, please c ompl ete

the form below by ticking the appropriate box and return it to the office. Please note that late entries cannot be accepted. Keep

this part of the notice as a reminder of the competition dates.

PAYMENT This year payment for entry must be completed through direct online payments. Payments for ICAS will be accepted until 31 July

2019. Parents can access this service by typing unsw.global/parentpay into a browser.

Parents will require a unique access code to purchase assessments that were registered by your school.

Your school's unique access code is: f2055f1d90 You do not need to provide a student identification number

PLEASE NOTE: Payment is NOT to be made through the school, ONLY direct to UNSW.

Liz Stirzaker Coordinator --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UNSW COMPETITIONS (YEARS 2-6) – CLOSING DATE 3PM Wednesday 31 July 2019 I give permission for my child__________________________________ class ________________ to participate in:

? Digital Technologies @ $15.95 ? Spelling @ $15.95

? Science @ $15.95 ? English@ $15.95

? Writing @ $15.95 ? Mathematics@ $15.95

I have made payment direct to UNSW, NOT through the school.

Date ___________________ Signed ________________________Parent/Caregiver ______________________

Communicable Diseases Factsheet Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Most people recover after a few days but for some people it can be fatal. An influenza vaccination each year provides the best protection against influenza.

Influenza Last updated: 1 May 2019

What is influenza?

Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are two main types of influenza virus that cause infection in humans – types A and B – and many sub-types or strains. Flu can occur throughout the year but flu activity usually peaks in winter.

Flu is a vaccine-preventable illness but a new vaccine needs to be given each year because influenza viruses change (mutate) constantly. A new flu vaccine is prepared each year to best match the strains predicted for the coming influenza season.

What are the symptoms of flu?

People with influenza typically experience some or all of the following symptoms for at least a week:

• fever and chills

• cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose

• muscle aches, joint pains, headaches and fatigue (feeling very tired)

• nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children than adults)

Some symptoms may last for more than a week. Some people may also experience very mild symptoms, particularly if they have some immunity from a previous infection or vaccination.

Seek immediate medical advice if the illness quickly becomes worse or if any of the following occurs:

• shortness of breath or rapid breathing

• chest pain

• confusion or sudden dizziness

• persistent vomiting.

How is flu spread? Influenza viruses are mainly spread by droplets made when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Influenza can also spread after touching surfaces where infected droplets have landed.

Influenza can be spread to someone by an infected person even before their symptoms begin. Adults with influenza are infectious from the day before their symptoms start until 5-7 days later. Young children and people with weakened immune systems may be infectious for longer.

Who is at risk of flu?

While anyone can get influenza, people at higher risk of complications from influenza infection (and who are eligible for free annual flu vaccine) include:

• children aged 6 months to 5 years

• people aged 65 years and older

Influenza page 1 of 3

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people aged aged 6 months and over

• Pregnant women

Individuals aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions predisposing to severe influenza are also at increased risk (and who also eligible for free annual influenza vaccine). These conditions include:

• Individuals aged 6 months and over with medical conditions predisposing to severe influenza,namely:

o cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary artery diseaseand congestive heart failure

o chronic respiratory conditions, including suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructivepulmonary disease and severe asthma

o other chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow up or hospitalisation in theprevious year, including diabetes mellitus, chronic metabolic diseases, chronic renalfailure, and haemoglobinopathies

o chronic neurological conditions that impact on respiratory function, including multiplesclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and seizure disorders

o impaired immunity, including HIV, malignancy and chronic corticosteroid useo children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy.

How is flu prevented?

Get a flu shot

Influenza vaccination each year before winter arrives is the best way to prevent influenza.

• Seasonal influenza vaccination is available for anyone aged 6 months and over to protectagainst influenza, provided they do not have a medical reason that precludes them fromreceiving influenza vaccines.

• People at higher risk of influenza complications (see “Who is at risk”) are stronglyrecommended to have an annual influenza vaccination, and are eligible for free influenzavaccine under the National Influenza Vaccination Program (available athttp://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/seasonal_flu_vaccination.aspx).

• In addition to people eligible for free vaccine, influenza vaccination is also recommended forthose who frequently come in to close contact with other people at higher risk of influenzacomplications (such as health care workers and family members), to help protect vulnerablepeople from infection.

For more information on general influenza vaccine recommendations refer to The Australian Immunisation Handbook (9th edition, 2008) available at: http://immunise.health.gov.au

Sneeze into your elbow

Sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands, or cover your face with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw used tissues in a rubbish bin.

Clean your hands

Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Wash hands for at least 10 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, or use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Stay at home if sick

If you are sick with flu, stay at home and avoid close contact with other people to prevent them from also becoming sick. Keep sick children away from school and other activities. Wait at least 24 hours after fever resolves so you that you are unlikely to infect other people.

This is especially important if you visit people who are more likely to get really sick if they get the flu - including pregnant women, infants, older people or people in hospital or residential aged care. Similarly, if you think you may have influenza and you need to see a doctor, call ahead so the clinic can take precautions to reduce the risk to other people.

Influenza page 2 of 3

How is flu treated?

The symptoms of influenza are usually managed by bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking simple analgesics for muscle aches and pains. Children under 16 years of age must not be given aspirin-containing medications while ill with influenza. This is due to the increased risk of children developing Reye syndrome, a form of encephalitis and liver degeneration

Specific influenza antiviral medicines can reduce the severity and the duration of influenza but need to be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms. These medicines need to be prescribed by a doctor, and are usually considered for people at higher risk of complications from influenza infection.

What is the public health response?

Laboratories must notify cases of influenza to their local public health unit. Individual cases are managed by their health care provider.

Public health action focuses on outbreaks in high-risk settings such as health care facilities, special schools, residential care facilities, and Aboriginal communities.

Further information

• NSW Health Influenza -http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/infectious/influenza/pages/default.aspx

• NSW Health Influenza surveillance reports -http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Influenza/Pages/reports.aspx

• NSW Health Influenza in travel groups fact sheet -http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/influenza_outbreaks_in_travel_groups.aspx

For further information please call your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 or visit the New South Wales Health website www.health.nsw.gov.au

Influenza page 3 of 3

How is flu diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose influenza based on symptoms. The diagnosis can be confirmed by testing a sample of fluid taken from the back of the nose and throat or a blood sample. These tests are usually only needed if the illness is severe or if there is an increased risk of complications.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) page 1 of 2

What is whooping cough? Whooping cough can be a life threatening infection in babies. Whooping cough in babies can lead to apnoea (pauses in normal breathing), pneumonia, feeding problems and weight loss, seizures, brain damage and, in some cases, death. Older children and adults can get whooping cough too and pass it on to babies.

What are the symptoms?

Whooping cough usually begins like a cold with a blocked or runny nose, tiredness, mild fever and a cough.

The cough gets worse and severe bouts of uncontrollable coughing can develop. Coughing bouts can be followed by vomiting, choking or taking a big gasping breath which causes a "whooping" sound. The cough can last for many weeks and can be worse at night.

Some newborns may not cough at all but they can stop breathing and turn blue. Some babies have difficulties feeding and can choke or gag.

Older children and adults may just have a cough that lasts for many weeks. They may not have the whoop.

How is it spread?

Whooping cough is spread when an infectious person coughs bacteria into the air which can be inhaled by people nearby. If they are not treated early, people with whooping cough are infectious in the first three weeks of their illness.

Whooping cough spreads easily through families, childcare centres and at school.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get whooping cough. People living in the same household as someone with whooping cough are especially at risk.

Immunisation reduces the risk of infection but immunity fades over time. You can still get whooping cough even if you've been immunised.

How is it prevented?

Whooping cough vaccines provide good protection from infection but immunity fades which means that boosters are needed.

Immunisation for babies

Babies need to be immunised at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 18 months. The first dose can be given as early as 6 weeks of age.

Getting your baby vaccinated on time gives them some protection when they are most at risk of severe illness.

Communicable Diseases Factsheet Whooping cough affects people of all

ages. It can be especially serious for

babies. Vaccination reduces the risk of

infection and severe disease. Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Last updated: 3 June 2019

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) page 2 of 2

If your baby's vaccines are overdue, see your GP now to catch up.

Immunisation for older children

A whooping cough booster is needed at 4 years of age.

Check if your child has been vaccinated. Look at their Blue Book, speak to your GP or ring the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809.

A second whooping cough booster is given in high school through the NSW School –based Vaccination Program.

Immunisation for adults

Free vaccine is provided through GPs and hospital antenatal clinics for pregnant women during each pregnancy

The whooping cough vaccine is usually given to pregnant women at 28 weeks of each pregnancy, but can be given at any time between 20 and 32 weeks

for women identified as being at high risk of early delivery, the vaccine should be given as early as possible (from 20 weeks)

if not received during pregnancy, the vaccine should be administered as soon as possible after birth

A booster for adults is recommended for:

other adult household members, grandparents and carers of infants under 12 months of age.

adults working with young children, especially health care and child care workers.

If you are a close contact of someone with whooping cough:

If you have been exposed to someone with whooping cough early in their illness while they are infectious, watch out for symptoms and see your doctor if you get a new cough.

Some babies and some pregnant women need antibiotics to prevent whooping cough infection if they have had significant contact with an infectious person.

How is it diagnosed? Your doctor may ask about your symptoms and whether you've had any contact with whooping cough. If your doctor thinks you have whooping cough, a swab from the back of the nose or throat can confirm the diagnosis.

How is it treated?

Some babies may need treatment in hospital or in intensive care.

Antibiotics are used to treat whooping cough in the early stages and can help prevent spreading whooping cough to others. People who are not treated early with the right antibiotics can spread the infection in the first 3 weeks of their illness. After 5 days of antibiotics, you are normally no longer infectious.

The cough often continues for many weeks, despite antibiotics.

What is the public health response?

Doctors and laboratories must confidentially notify cases of pertussis to the local public health unit. Public health unit staff can advise on the best way to stop further spread.

Infectious children are restricted from going to pre-school and school. Unimmunised contacts may be excluded from child care unless they take the special antibiotics.

Identify - Protect – Prevent

NSW Health whooping cough campaign: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/whoopingcough/Pages/default.aspx For further information please call your local public health unit on 1300 066 055 or visit the New South Wales Health website www.health.nsw.gov.au