Whooping cough vaccines update

Please click here for information about GSK’s commitment to supporting the introduction of the 18-month whooping cough booster to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) through the supply of Infanrix^® (a combined diphtheria, tetanus and aceullar pertussis vaccine).

Different whooping cough vaccines are used at different ages depending on the approved indication. 

Boostrix, a reduced antigen content whooping cough vaccine, will not be used as the 18-month whooping cough booster dose.

Boostrix availability

GSK prioritises whooping cough vaccine availability for those most at risk of the disease and confirms uninterrupted supply of Boostrix^® to all Australian State, Territory and Federal Government vaccination programs where Boostrix is the vaccine of choice.

Boostrix is a reduced antigen content combined diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (whooping cough) (dTpa) vaccine. 

We have seen an unprecedented number of requests for private market supply of Boostrix (outside of State, Territory and Federal Government vaccination programs) due to limited supplies of other diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (dTpa) and diphtheria/tetanus (DT) vaccines in Australia. Demand has also risen due to the positive awareness across Australia of the need to vaccinate against this disease.

GSK continues to monitor and manage supply of Boostrix to wholesalers who supply the private market. As we receive ongoing supply of Boostrix, all stock that isn’t allocated to State, Territory and Federal Government programs is immediately supplied to wholesalers who distribute to pharmacies and GP surgeries nationwide.

GSK continues to release significant volumes of Boostrix into the supply channel however, it is likely that the increased demand is still exceeding supply capacity meaning there has been, and may continue to be intermittent, but temporary, stock outs in some areas around Australia.

We are working to resolve the situation and are expecting additional supplies to be available in the coming months.

We regret the inconvenience this may cause patients, pharmacists and doctors.

For more information, please contact GSK medical information on 1800 033 109. 

For media enquiries, please contact: