Whooping cough (pertussis) alert

A national epidemic of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, has been declared, with cases rising across Aotearoa. Whooping cough is particularly severe for pēpi (babies), pregnant people and those with chronic conditions.

Vaccination is key —including boosters at 4 years and 11 years.

Watch out for symptoms

• Severe cough, often followed by vomiting.
• Difficulty breathing or gasping.
• A "whooping" sound after coughing (especially in young children).
• Infants may not "whoop" but may struggle to breathe.

If you or your whānau experience any of these symptoms, see your healthcare professional immediately.

Remember: stay up-to-date with immunisations, especially the following vulnerable groups.

• Infants.
• Pregnant people, especially in their last trimester.
• Healthcare staff.
• Those with chronic conditions.

Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. This is why the illness is sometimes called pertussis. This bacteria damages the lining of the nose, throat and breathing passages (trachea and bronchi) and causes the coughing. The cough can go on for weeks or months. 'Whoop' describes the sound that some tamariki make after coughing.

Read key points about whooping cough, including audio and video examples of the sounds of tamariki with whooping cough, on the Kids Health website.

Epidemics of whooping cough typically occur every 3-5 years and usually last for 12-18 months, with the last national outbreak in Aotearoa beginning in late 2017 and continuing through 2018.

Cases have spread across the motu, affecting various age groups and ethnicities, with some hospitalisations among young pēpi / babies and older people.

Whooping cough can be particularly severe for pēpi, and they may require hospital care. Many school communities across the motu are also being impacted by cases. 

Are you and your tamariki protected against whooping cough?

Whooping cough is affecting people of all ages. It's very infectious (easily caught), so it's important that as many people as possible are protected from catching it. 

Young tamariki (less than a year old) are particularly at risk of severe illness and hospitalisation with whooping cough and it's recommended they get vaccinated. 

Read more about the free childhood immunisation programme in Aotearoa New Zealand, what's available and when they should be given. 

If you're hapū / pregnant you can get a free Boostrix vaccination from 16 weeks. Others in your whānau are advised to get vaccinated against whooping cough as well but not everyone is eligible for a free vaccination. Read more about who is eligible and where you can get vaccinated. 

You can read more on the He Puna Waiora Healthify website.

If you suspect someone in your whānau has whooping cough, it is important to see your doctor but phone ahead first

This helps to ensure people with whooping cough do not end up sitting in a waiting room, potentially spreading the illness to others.

You can get free health advice from a registered nurse 24 hours a day from Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you have any questions, or for more information we encourage you to visit the He Puna Waiora Healthify website.