In order to keep a check on the spread of the dreaded whooping cough, the Queensland Government has announced that it will be expanding its free immunization drive. The decision has come amid reports of a constant fear among the general public that virus might spread this time around.

According to the Queensland Health Minister Geoff Wilson, the government had previously announced in July 2009 that the vaccine will cover parent s of new born babies. However, the law has been further expanded to all the close family ties of the child.

Mr. Wilson has said in a statement that the newly devised guidelines will cover foster parents, adoptive parents, parents and grandparents. Apart from them, anyone living in a household with a child below six months of age will have to receive vaccination.

There was a noticeable increase in the number of flu cases in 2010, when compared to the figures for 2009. People affected with the illness rose to 8,021 from 6,213. The numbers clearly show the growing risk of whooping cough and the decision is welcomed and will only help in protecting the future generation of Queenslanders.

It needs to be kept in mind that babies not protected against the virus can fall seriously ill and might even need hospitalization in serious cases.