Whooping cough cases surge as AMA urges vaccination

AUSTRALIA is grappling with its worst whooping cough outbreak in decades, with more than 57,000 cases reported in 2024, the highest annual total since 1991.

Health authorities warn the highly infectious disease poses the greatest risk to newborns and young children.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has called on pregnant women, parents and caregivers to ensure they are vaccinated, as outbreaks continue across the country.

AMA president Dr Danielle McMullen said the resurgence of cases was “extremely concerning,” pointing to below-target vaccination rates and growing vaccine hesitancy.

“We can’t afford to be complacent,” Dr McMullen said.

“Each year, thousands of lives are lost to respiratory diseases like whooping cough and we all have a role to play in preventing their spread. Vaccination remains our most powerful defence.”

She said every pregnant woman should receive a dose of a pertussis-containing vaccine during each pregnancy to protect their newborn from the disease.

“Maternal vaccination creates antibodies which are passed to the unborn baby and protect them in their first days and weeks of life,” she said.

“But it doesn’t stop there. Ensuring family members and other caregivers are also vaccinated helps create a protective cocoon around infants and protect them as they build immunity through the infant vaccination schedule.”

Free vaccines are available to all pregnant women, recommended between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.

The AMA also advises parents to ensure children are vaccinated on time, especially in their first six months, and for anyone in close contact with newborns to check they have had a booster within the past 10 years.

“Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways you can protect your loved ones and your community,” Dr McMullen said.

“We must not lose sight of the fact that immunisation saves lives.”