You may already be aware that New Zealand is in the early stages of a national outbreak of whooping cough (pertussis). Babies aged up to one are particularly vulnerable to whooping cough. They often catch it from older siblings, parents, or other family members.

It’s important to raise awareness of timely immunisations as a crucial way for parents/whānau and pregnant women to protect their babies and children against whooping cough. Babies are at greatest risk when they are very young. When pregnant women are vaccinated, they pass their immunity on to their baby, protecting them until they are able to be immunised at 6 weeks.

Pregnant women visiting your pharmacy (for example, to purchase folic acid or pregnancy tests) may be unaware that immunisation is recommended and free through their GP between 28 and 38 weeks of pregnancy. People may also visit your pharmacy seeking advice for a persistent cough. Please use this opportunity to discuss whooping cough with them.

National resources are available through HealthEd.

More information aimed at the public is available on the Ministry’s webpages: Whooping Cough, hand washing, good hygiene.

Kind regards,

Immunisation Team
System Outcomes
Service Commissioning
Ministry of Health