First Aid

Sometimes medication will need to be administered to students whilst they are at school.  We would encourage parents and carers to consider whether they can administer medication outside the school day, such as before and after school and before bed.

All medication to be administered at school must be:

• accompanied by written advice from parent or carer on a Medication Administration Authorisation form providing directions for appropriate storage and administration
• in the original container with the original label including the name of the student (if a prescription medication), information on the dosage and time to be administered
• within its expiry date
• brought to and from school by an adult

Students are unable to take their first dose of a new medication at school in case of an allergic reaction. This should be done under the supervision of the parent or carer at home, or your health practitioner.

Medication Administration Authorisation forms can be found at the office or via our website.  Please note, unfortunately we are unable to administer any medication without this form being completed or if the medication is not supplied in its original packaging. 

What is whooping cough (pertussis)? 

Whooping cough is a very contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella Pertussis. The major symptom of whooping cough is the characteristic cough which is often followed by a ‘whooping’ sound (which is not always obvious) when breathing in. Cold like symptoms often precede the cough, and vomiting after coughing is common. The bacterium is spread by airborne droplets from the upper respiratory tract (when the infected person coughs or sneezes). A person is infectious for the first 21 days of their cough or until they have completed an appropriate course of antibiotics. However, the cough may persist for up to 3 months, despite antibiotic treatment. 

Who is most at risk? 

Babies under 12 months of age are most at risk and the infection can potentially be life threatening for infants aged 6 months and under. In Victoria, most reports of whooping cough currently occur in adults over 20 years of age. Household contacts and carers such as parents and siblings are often the source of infection in infants.

Is whooping cough preventable? 

Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease, and the vaccine is provided at no cost under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Under the NIP, vaccination is recommended for children at 2,4,6, and 18 months and 4 years of age. Adolescents in Year 7 (or age equivalent) are also eligible for a booster. Adults who have not had a dose in the last 10 years are recommended to have boosters. Routine boosters are recommended for certain adult cohorts and includes women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, healthcare workers, earlier childhood educators and carer and people in close contact with infants. Pertussis-containing vaccines protect against severe and typical pertussis. Immunity after receiving a pertussis-containing vaccine does wane over time. It is important for individuals to keep up to date with their vaccinations, including boosters.

For further information on symptoms and prevention refer to the Better Health Channel Whooping cough - Better Health Channel