Protect against whooping cough

Managing a family is tough. Whether you’re creating a new one, juggling relatives, or adding new loved ones to the mix, Discount Drug Store is here to help arm your family with the right advice and vaccinations to give you the best shot at good health. Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection spread by sneezing or coughing, infecting the airways and lungs. Babies have the highest risk of serious disease and 1 in every 200 babies under 6 months old who gets whooping cough dies from pneumonia or brain damage³. Babies under six weeks can’t be vaccinated against whooping cough and only complete their primary vaccination course by 6 months. The most effective protection against whooping cough for young babies is not to be exposed to it by family and visitors⁴.

Whooping cough can be prevented with vaccination. Pregnant women in their third trimester, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks, are recommended to be vaccinated as well as close household contacts, visitors and carers of babies under 6 months old. Pregnant women from 20 weeks can receive a free whooping cough vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) from their Discount Drug Store⁵.*

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Guard against HPV

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common viral infection that is sexually transmitted. It can cause cancers and genital warts. The best protection is vaccination before exposure. The HPV vaccine is available free of charge under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for young people in Year 7⁶.*

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Protect against meningitis

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the protective layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infection (septicaemia).⁷

Bacteria can spread to vulnerable people — such as children — by being in close quarters with others, sharing utensils, kissing, or inhaling the second‑hand smoke of an infected person. There are several meningococcal vaccines available in Australia that offer protection against specific types of meningococcal serogroups.

The meningococcal A,C,W,Y vaccine is available from Discount Drug Stores free of charge under the National Immunisation Program for young people in Year 10⁸.*

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Shield against shingles

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful blistering rash. It is caused by a reactivation of varicella zoster virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox. Shingles can lead to serious illness and complications⁹. Shingles usually affects older people, and the risk of complications increases with age¹⁰.

Free shingles vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) is available for eligible people most at risk of complications from shingles. A 2‑dose course is available for free for people aged 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over, and immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over with specific medical risk conditions¹¹.*

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Protect against pneumococcal disease

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, caused by bacteria or viruses. Anyone of any age can contract pneumonia, but it is especially serious for young children and older people. It can lead to bloodstream infection and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain)¹².

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you from pneumococcal disease. Adults aged 70 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over and people with specified medical risk conditions are able to receive the pneumococcal vaccine at no cost under the NIP¹³.*

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Flu Vaccination

Fight the flu with Discount Drug Stores

The Australian Government recommends everyone over the age of 6 months old receive a flu vaccination each year.¹⁴

The flu can affect people of all ages, particularly those most at risk such as babies, pregnant women, and the elderly. Multiple flu vaccine formulations are available in Australia, including the standard quadrivalent, a cell-based formulation, a high-dose flu vaccine tailored for those over 60 years and an adjuvanted (enhanced) vaccine for people aged over 65 years.

Certain flu vaccines are funded by the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible people. Your local Discount Drug Stores pharmacist can discuss the flu vaccination options available to you¹⁵.*

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