Almost 800 people in NSW were diagnosed with whopping cough in October 2018, making it the highest number since October 2016. 

NSW Health is now alerting all pregnant women and new parents to be aware of the symptoms and vaccinate on time. 

“Whooping cough is challenging to control at the community level, as it is a highly infectious disease and immunity against whooping cough wanes over time, regardless of whether that immunity is from having the disease or as a result of vaccination,” NSW Health’s Director of Communicable Diseases Dr Vicky Sheppeard said. 

“This means that the number of people susceptible to whooping cough in the community builds up over time and this can cause periodic spikes or larger outbreaks of the disease,” she added. 

All pregnant women should receive a whooping cough vaccination, usually into 28 weeks of their pregnancy. 

Vaccination for infants is also important, with the first dose to be due in six weeks followed by doses at four and six months of age. 

“The aim of whooping cough control is to protect infants, who are at highest risk of severe disease or death if they contract whooping cough. Whooping cough vaccination is effective in preventing severe infection,” Dr Sheppeard said. 

“People in close contact with newborn infants such as grandparents, partners and close family member should ensure that they have had a whooping cough vaccine in the previous 10 years. Those that need to get vaccinated should do so at least two weeks before any infant contact,” she added. 

The vaccination program is part of NSW Government’s $22.75 million investment in the immunisation program. 

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