WA Health is joining forces with health experts across the country to mark National Whooping Cough Day – a timely reminder of the importance of staying up to date with whooping cough vaccination.
The Stay Up to Date: Vaccinate! campaign, led by the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA), aims to raise awareness about the serious health risks associated with whooping cough (pertussis) and to encourage all Western Australians to check their vaccination status.
WA Health's Director of Communicable Disease Control, Dr Paul Armstrong, said whooping cough remains a serious public health concern.
"Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the airways that can cause uncontrollable coughing and difficulty breathing," Dr Armstrong said.
"It spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can lead to severe illness, particularly in babies.
"Immunisation is the most effective way to protect people of all ages and prevent the spread of infection in our communities.
"An infected person can unknowingly pass whooping cough to friends and family, including infants which can be life-threatening."
Whooping cough cases have risen in WA over the past two years, with increased notifications across multiple regions according to the WA Infectious Disease Dashboard.
This year, a total of 1,173 cases have been reported in WA, with the highest rates occurring in the Kimberley and Southwest regions.
Babies are most at risk, with most whooping cough-related deaths occurring in infants under four months of age.
Vaccinating pregnant women between 20 to 32 weeks' gestation provides vital protection for newborns until they can begin their own immunisations.
Older children and adults can also experience serious illness and may require hospitalisation.
Dr Armstrong said the infection can last for weeks and cause significant complications if left untreated.
"Whooping cough was once called the '100-day cough' for a reason as it can take months to recover and can lead to pneumonia or other complications," he said.
"Staying up to date with vaccination is the best defence for yourself, your family and the community."
Recommended vaccination schedule:
- Children: Two months, four months, six months, 18 months and four years
- Adolescents: 12 to 13 years through school-based programs
- Pregnant women: Ideally between 20 to 32 weeks each pregnancy
- Adults: Booster recommended every 10 years if not vaccinated within the past decade
The whooping cough vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible people. A consultation fee may apply at some clinics.
Whooping cough vaccinations are available at community health immunisation clinics, participating GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services. Adolescents who missed out on the vaccination at school can be caught up in any of these settings.
