Urgent call as whooping cough cases surge

• Pregnant people are being encouraged to protect themselves and their unborn baby by getting a free whooping cough vaccine.
• This year there have been more than 7,000 cases reported compared to just over 100 cases in the same period last year.
• A whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby from the disease.

Queensland is currently experiencing a significant surge in whooping cough cases, posing a health risk to the community, particularly vulnerable infants.

In babies and infants this highly contagious respiratory infection, also known as pertussis, can lead to severe complications, including hospitalisation and even death.

From 1 January to 11 August 2024, there were 7,010 cases reported, compared to just 104 cases in the same period last year, representing a staggering 70-fold increase in cases.

Whooping cough is a cyclical disease which peaks every three to five years. During the last peak in 2019, there were only 937 cases of whooping cough reported for the same period.

Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of whooping cough and pregnant people are recommended to receive a whooping cough vaccine each pregnancy to reduce the risk of their baby becoming seriously ill with whooping cough.

Immunisation between weeks 20 and 32 of every pregnancy, offers crucial protection in the critical early months of life before babies can be vaccinated themselves, and is provided free under the national immunisation program.

According to the most recent Queensland Health data only 70.7 per cent of pregnant people in Queensland received a whooping cough vaccine in 2023.

Since 2020 when vaccination rates were 77.2 per cent, there has been a downward trend of pregnant women receiving a whooping cough vaccine.

The whooping cough vaccine is available for free under the National Immunisation Program during pregnancy, for children aged 2, 4, 6, and 18 months, and 4 years old, and for adolescents aged 11-13 years as part of the free Queensland School Immunisation Program.

Anyone under 20 who missed a childhood whooping cough vaccine can also access one for free.   

In 2023, vaccination coverage for children was strong, with 92.72 per cent of one-year-olds, 91.47 per cent of two-year-olds, and 93.10 per cent of five-year-olds protected against whooping cough.

While these numbers are encouraging, it’s important to note that overall childhood vaccination rates have declined over the last few years. This decrease is also being seen nationally.

For more information and advice, please consult with your healthcare provider.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“Whooping cases are soaring across the country, posing a serious threat to our youngest and most vulnerable Queenslanders.

“We know vaccinations save lives.

“The whooping cough vaccine is the best defense against this disease which can be life-threatening for young children.

“Vaccination during pregnancy is an effective way to protect babies until they are old enough to be vaccinated.

“This single action can dramatically reduce the risk of their baby contracting the potentially fatal disease.

“I want to urge all pregnant people to shield their babies by taking advantage of the free whooping cough vaccine during their pregnancy.”

Quotes attributable to Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard:

“Whooping cough is particularly severe in infants under 6 months of age and can be life-threatening.

“While we encourage all Queenslanders to ensure their vaccinations are up to date, it is especially crucial for pregnant women to be immunised to protect themselves and their babies.

“Remarkably, vaccinating pregnant women reduces the risk of babies contracting whooping cough by 75 per cent.

“We are committed working closely with healthcare providers and expectant mothers to achieve high vaccination rates in this vulnerable group.”

Quotes attributable to AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim

“Anyone who has seen a baby struggling to breathe with whooping cough will never forget that sight.

“Newborns cannot be vaccinated, which is why it is so important that everyone around them who can be vaccinated is.

“Vaccination during pregnancy gives newborns the greatest protection.

“We encourage all expecting parents to talk to their GP about vaccination.”

Quotes attributable to RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cathryn Hester:

“Whooping cough is extremely contagious and babies under six months are at-risk of severe complications, and usually need to go to hospital.

“Thankfully, whooping cough can be prevented by vaccination, and the vaccine is recommended for people in contact with babies, and for those who are pregnant – having a vaccine while pregnant is the best way to protect you baby.

“I urge anyone who’s pregnant or has a baby to book an appointment with your GP and get vaccinated as soon as you can.”

ENDS

Media contact: healthmedia@ministerial.qld.gov.au

Background:

Whooping cough cases

Whooping cough vaccination rates for pregnant women

Whooping cough cases according to Hospital and Health Service

For more information on notifiable conditions annual reporting please visit the Queensland Health website.