Kiwis are being urged to get vaccinated after the number of whooping cough cases more than doubled last month.
According to figures from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research, the number of cases reported in September was 187, more than double August’s total of 75.
Numbers are among the highest since 2019.
“Whooping cough cases have continued to rise significantly during September to the point where the risk of a national outbreak is now considered high,” Dr Susan Jack, national clinical director of protection at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora said.
Whooping cough, also known as Bordetella pertussis, is a sickness that can cause bouts of intense coughing that can last between two or three minutes.
The cough can last for around three months and can cause serious illness, or even death, when babies, young children, and older adults become infected.
On average, each person with whooping cough can pass the infection on to 12 others, according to Healthify.
In a statement this week Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora urged people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
It said it had issued alerts to its clinical networks to remain alert for signs of whooping cough.
“That is being supported by a wide range of ongoing prevention activities, with a strong focus on vaccinations for pregnant people, babies and children who are among those most at risk from whooping cough,” Jack said.
She said Heath NZ was most concerned for newborn babies, who are too young to get vaccinated.
“This is why it is so vitally important for pregnant people to be vaccinated.”
“This is recommended from 16 weeks of pregnancy as the best and safest way to protect their baby from this serious, and sadly, sometimes fatal disease.”
She said it was also important that infants and children keep up to date with their vaccinations which are due at 6 weeks, 3 months, 5 months, and again at 4 years. Children receive a further booster when they turn 11, though “it’s never too late for children to catch up on their vaccinations”.
Vaccinations are free for all children under 18 – including visitors to New Zealand regardless of their citizenship. Adults are also eligible for one free booster from 45 (if they have not had four previous tetanus doses), and, one from 65.
Vaccines can be administered for free at your GP, Hauora Māori, Pacific health service, and some pharmacies.
“With schools going back next week, now is a great time to check that you, your whānau and tamariki are up to date with all of your immunisations,” Jack said.
‘Vaccination is our best and strongest defence’
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation medical director Professor Bob Hancox said his organisation wasn’t just worried about young babies.
“Whooping cough is a life-threatening illness for young babies, but can also cause serious illness in those already struggling with respiratory issues,” he said.
“It can exacerbate symptoms, leading to hospitalisations or even fatalities.”
He called for “urgent widespread vaccination” so those most affected by whooping cough could be protected.
“So it is crucial that we take this spike in cases seriously – vaccination is our best and strongest defence to protect those who are most vulnerable,” he said.
On Wednesday, the Government announced a new $1 million programme to train Plunket staff as vaccinators.
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti said the plan was a part of the Government’s effort to ensure 95% of children at two years old were fully immunised.
“A key part of our plan to increase childhood immunisations is expanding the workforce able to deliver vaccinations, including midwives and pharmacies, so people can access vaccinations wherever they go to get healthcare,” he said.