NT Health is urging Territorians to stay up-to-date with their whooping cough (pertussis) vaccinations following a significant surge in cases.
Ninety one cases of whooping cough have been recorded to date this year in the Northern Territory (NT), compared to 12 cases in 2023. In the past month alone, 31 cases have been notified.
Across Australia more than 52,000 whooping cough cases have been confirmed in 2024, the highest number since records began in 1991.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection cause by Bordetella pertussis. It is spread through direct contact with mouth or nose secretions, when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by sharing eating utensils, food or through kissing.
Whooping cough affects the lungs and airways, causing a person to cough violently and uncontrollably. This can make it hard for the infected person to breathe.
Whooping cough is a serious disease because it can lead to pneumonia, brain damage and sometimes death.
Babies are at the highest risk of severe disease and death from whooping cough.
Vaccination remains the most effective defence against whooping cough and can help to reduce its transmission.
Dr Vicki Krause, NT Health Centre for Disease Control Director, said all members of the community can help stop the spread of whooping cough by ensuring they are vaccinated.
“It’s vital for everyone to know their vaccination status and to keep up-to-date with their whooping cough vaccine to protect themselves, their families and those they care for,” Dr Krause said.
Free whooping cough vaccines are available for:
Pregnant women from 20 weeks for each pregnancy. Receiving a vaccination during pregnancy allows antibodies to be passed on to protect newborns.Babies under 6 months are vaccinated on schedule at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and at 4 years. Vaccinations are provided at health clinics, community care centres, Aboriginal Health Services and GPs.Children aged 12 years through the Year 7 school vaccination program and at local health clinics, pharmacies or GPs until the age of 19 years.
Adults who come into contact with newborns need to ensure they have been vaccinated for whooping cough in the past 10 years.
Adults who are not eligible for a free whooping cough vaccine can access them from GPs and pharmacies.
