A national whooping cough epidemic was declared in November and cases have continued to increase leading to a high number of hospitalisations.
Immunisation coverage is low for whooping cough, especially amongst Māori and Pacific communities. Whooping cough is highly contagious and particularly dangerous for newborns babies, young children and older adults, and in some cases it can be fatal. We are encouraging all pregnant mothers to get vaccinated during their pregnancy to pass on some protection to their pēpi until they are old enough to be vaccinated themselves at 6 weeks old. We continue to encourage everyone who is eligible to be up to date with their pertussis vaccinations. They’re FREE to anyone aged 18 and under, and the free combined pertussis and tetanus booster is available to anyone from age 45 (if they have not had four previous tetanus doses) and can also get one free from age 65.
For more information please visit Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine or contact your GP to book your FREE vaccination.
