In recognition of National Whooping Cough Day, WA Health is collaborating with health experts across Australia to emphasize the critical importance of up-to-date vaccination against whooping cough. The initiative, dubbed the Stay Up to Date: Vaccinate! campaign and spearheaded by the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA), aims to raise awareness about the serious health risks associated with whooping cough, also known as pertussis.
Dr. Paul Armstrong, Director of Communicable Disease Control at WA Health, underscored the ongoing public health threat posed by this highly contagious bacterial infection. “Whooping cough can lead to uncontrollable coughing and difficulty breathing,” he stated. “It spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can result in severe illness, especially among infants.” Dr. Armstrong further highlighted the risks of transmission, noting that an infected individual can unknowingly pass the disease to family and friends, putting vulnerable populations, particularly newborns, at grave risk.
Rising Cases and Vaccination Recommendations
According to data from the WA Infectious Disease Dashboard, there has been a notable increase in whooping cough cases across Western Australia over the past two years. In 2024 alone, a total of 1,173 cases have been reported, with the highest incidence rates seen in the Kimberley and Southwest regions. Infants under four months old are the most at risk, with the majority of whooping cough-related fatalities occurring in this age group.
To protect newborns until they can receive their own vaccinations, it is recommended that pregnant women receive the whooping cough vaccine between 20 to 32 weeks of gestation. Additionally, older children and adults are at risk for serious illness and may require hospitalization if they contract the infection. Dr. Armstrong emphasized the prolonged nature of the illness, stating, “Whooping cough was once referred to as the ‘100-day cough’ due to the lengthy recovery period, which can include complications such as pneumonia.” He reiterated that staying current with vaccinations is essential for safeguarding individuals and communities alike.
Accessing Vaccination Services
Vaccination against whooping cough is available at no cost under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for those eligible. Some clinics may charge a consultation fee. Individuals can access vaccinations at community health immunization clinics, participating general practitioners (GPs), pharmacies, and Aboriginal Medical Services. Adolescents who missed their school vaccination can also receive the vaccine in these settings.
As National Whooping Cough Day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vaccination, health authorities are encouraging all Australians, particularly those in high-risk groups, to check their vaccination status and take action to protect themselves and their loved ones.
