The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is urging Tasmanian families to get vaccinated against pertussis, or 'whooping cough' and called on all parties and candidates running in the state election to commit to making the vaccination free for all patients.
From 1 January 2024 to April 2025, 1238 whooping cough cases were notified in Tasmania, including 10 infants aged under six months. Most hospitalisations and deaths occur in this group, who are not old enough to have received all vaccine doses.
More than 21,000 infections were recorded nationwide last year, compared to just 2450 in 2023, and the National Centre for Immunisation Research has warned "the surge is not over". More than 16,000 infections have been recorded in 2025 so far.
RACGP Tasmanian Chair Dr Toby Gardner issued a strong call for Tasmanian families to roll up their sleeves.
"We're still in the middle of a serious whooping cough outbreak, and this must be taken seriously," he said.
"Whooping cough is a potentially fatal infection, especially for newborns. Immunity can dissipate over time, so if it's been more than a decade since your last vaccination, it's time for a booster.
"Since early last year, there's been a steady increase in whooping cough cases in Tasmania, described by the health department in April as being 'consistent with epidemic activity'.
"Getting vaccinated is the number one thing you can do to help keep you, your family, and your community as safe as possible. I suspect some people are experiencing 'vaccine fatigue' following the successful nationwide COVID-19 vaccination program and are complacent about other infectious diseases, including whooping cough.
"Misinformation found online, including on popular social media, also makes tackling this public health challenge that much harder.
"You're better off consulting with a GP you trust and who knows you and your history, rather than relying on social media."
Ahead of the 19 July election, Dr Gardner called on Tasmania's political parties to fund a free vaccination program.
"Cost can deter families from vaccinations, including for whooping cough, and particularly during a time of high cost-of-living pressures," he said.
"For those not covered by the National Immunisation Program, the cost of a combined diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine can range from $45–50 per dose.
"So, you can imagine that for a family with several kids already up against it, those vaccinations can be out of reach.
"We're calling for all political parties to commit to funding a Tasmanian vaccination program for all patients to stop this disease in its tracks and save lives. This is a sensible public health measure that would make a real difference."
