Whooping cough, (or pertussis), is back in New South Wales, and it’s a worrying sign of how easily we forget the power of vaccines. With over 10,000 cases reported this 2024, the highest in nearly a decade, it’s time to take this disease seriously again.

The reasons for this resurgence aren’t complicated. The immunity we gain from the vaccine fades over time, leaving teenagers and adults vulnerable. Add to that the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted routine vaccinations, and we’ve created a perfect storm for the disease to spread. Babies, too young to be vaccinated, are the hardest hit, and the most likely to land in hospital.

We’ve seen this before. Whooping cough epidemics occur every 3-4 years and it is highly contagious in the unvaccinated. For adults, it might just mean a bad cough, but for infants, it can mean fractured ribs, trouble breathing, or worse. And yet, we have the tools to stop it.

 Whooping cough rates over the last 9 years. Source: IFA 

"A resurgence of whooping cough is a clear reminder that staying up to date with vaccinations is vital for protecting ourselves and our communities," says Todd Marion, a local pharmacist.

"As healthcare providers, we see firsthand the power of vaccines in preventing serious illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations like infants. Getting a whooping cough booster is quick, easy, and one of the most effective ways to shield loved ones and those around us. Vaccination isn’t just a personal choice, it’s a responsibility to protect our collective health.”

Australia is in the grip of the largest whooping cough epidemic since the creation of the vaccine to protect against the bacteria. Source: https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/whooping-cough-epidemic-reaches-record-numbers

Vaccination is still our best defence. Adults should check if they’re overdue for a shot. Pregnant women should get a booster during each pregnancy to protect their newborns. In fact, any close contact with a newborn should ensure they have current vaccination status. Schools, healthcare workers, and community groups need to spread the word. Protecting each other isn’t just a duty, it’s common sense.

We can stop whooping cough in its tracks, but it takes all of us. A jab in the arm today could save a life tomorrow. You can get a Whooping Cough ( Pertussis ) Vaccine at GP Practices, Pharmacies with a Pharmacist Immuniser.

Source: immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au.