Cwm Taf University Health Board has confirmed that the vaccine for pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is available to Welsh travellers on a discretionary basis from a prescribing doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
AHEM: Cwm Taf University Health Board say that the vaccine for pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is available on a discretionary basis from a prescribing doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Gwenan Roberts is the Head of Corporate Services at Cwm Taf University Health Board. “Pre-travel pertussis vaccine is not currently recommended by the Welsh Government,” he said. “For protection during travel abroad, and if provided for this purpose, is at the discretion of the prescribing doctor, nurse or pharmacist,” he continued. “In Wales, a pertussis vaccine is not available as an NHS service for people travelling abroad.”
Official guidance from the NHS is for those who will be visiting relatives with young children who live abroad to be immunised at their destination. However, some general practices in Wales are offering the pertussis where it is likely very young children will be at risk. This includes those travelling to Australia, where pertussis has been a problem over the last 3-5 years.