Whooping Cough Epidemic declared across Aotearoa New Zealand

Whooping Cough: Public health alert

There are high levels of pertussis cases and hospitalisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. As a result, the National Public Health Service and the Public Health Agency have declared a national whooping cough epidemic.

Whooping cough is affecting all age groups and ethnicities, with some hospitalisations amongst young babies and older people. Many schools are being affected across the country.

It’s very infectious (easily caught), so it’s important that as many people as possible are protected from catching it. Young children (less than a year old) are particularly at risk of severe illness and hospitalisation with whooping cough and it’s recommended that they (and their whānau) get vaccinated against whooping cough. Read more about the free childhood immunisation programme in Aotearoa New Zealand, what’s available and when they should be given. 

If you’re 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.