The rise of whooping cough is proof we’re getting vaccine-lax

Whooping cough cases in Australia are on track for an all-time high with over 41,000 cases recorded so far this year, and that number is expected to surpass 45,000 by year-end.

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This surge is the worst we’ve seen since whooping cough vaccinations first became available, and it’s hitting particularly hard in New South Wales and Queensland. 

With cases continuing to rise, it’s a serious reminder to check in on our family’s vaccination status – especially if we have babies, young kids, or vulnerable loved ones around us.

What exactly is whooping cough (and why is it so serious)

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Whooping cough (or pertussis) is a bacterial infection that affects the airways, causing severe coughing fits and making it harder to breathe.

It can be especially dangerous for babies and young kids and lead to hospitalisation (sometimes even death). Adults and older kids can usually recover after a rough few weeks, but they can still spread it to others – including babies who haven’t had their first vaccines yet.

It also spreads fast, often because people don’t know they’re contagious right away. You might not see symptoms for a week or two after getting infected, so it’s easy to pass it along to others without realising. 

And once it starts spreading, it doesn’t slow down. In fact, one person with whooping cough can infect up to 17 others who aren’t protected.

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A spike in cases means we need to be extra careful

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Right now, Australia is experiencing a major spike in whooping cough cases. 

We associate a lot of cough and cold sickness with winter, but whooping cases actually get higher in the warmer months (particularly November).

Dr Laurence Luu, a researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, says that while health experts expected cases to go up this year, the size of this outbreak has taken everyone by surprise. Low vaccination rates have also contributed to this surge – especially because immunity fades over time and a lot of adults are due for booster shots.

In fact, data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) shows that only about 75% of 13-year-olds have had their booster shot, and just one in five Australians over 50 is up to date on their vaccination. With lower community immunity, it’s easier for whooping cough to spread, putting babies and vulnerable people at greater risk.

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Protecting our littlest ones

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For families with newborns, this surge in cases is understandably worrying. Babies are particularly at risk because they can’t get their first whooping cough vaccine until they’re six weeks old. 

The best way to protect newborns is for their family members and close contacts to get vaccinated, creating what experts call a “cocoon” of immunity around the baby. This way, the people closest to the baby are protected and won’t risk unknowingly passing on the infection.

Catherine Hughes, who founded the Immunisation Foundation of Australia after losing her baby son, Riley, to whooping cough, has been a powerful voice for vaccination awareness. She says that while Australia has made great strides in getting pregnant women vaccinated (which passes protective antibodies to their babies), whooping cough is still a significant threat, especially to young infants and people with asthma or other health conditions.

“Whooping cough can be deadly for infants and lead to severe illness in older children and adults,” she explains. “We can all help by staying up to date with our vaccinations.”

Why we all need booster shots

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Many people think they’re fully protected once they’ve been vaccinated as a child, but immunity fades over time. 

Doctors recommend booster shots for whooping cough about every 10 years. As a bonus, the booster for adults also usually includes protection against tetanus and diphtheria, another two things we could all do without. 

Staying up to date with these booster shots helps keep everyone protected, especially newborns, elderly people, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

If you’re due for a booster, it’s easier than ever to get checked and vaccinated. You can review your immunisation history via the Express Plus Medicare app or speak to a GP or pharmacist who can let you know if you need a booster. 

Wrapping it up

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Here in Australia, we are fortunate to have some of the highest community vaccination rates in the world. At the same time, it’s easy to become complacent about the impact that has had over the years

We can’t be getting lax with vaccinations and booster shots. The proof of that is right now, in the glaringly high rates of whooping cough across Australia. 

Protect yourself and protect your family.