Pertussis cases on the rise

There have been 305 pertussis cases reported as at 27 July 2024 compared to 39 during the same period in 2023. 

Pertussis (whooping cough) is very serious in young babies who are under 6 months of age.

The best way to protect to young babies is to vaccinate mothers during pregnancy, this provides a level of protection until babies can have their first pertussis containing vaccine at 6 weeks of age. 

Whooping cough vaccine is recommended from 20 weeks of pregnancy (ideally between 20-32 weeks).

Consider also encouraging people over 50 and/or anyone planning to visit a newborn to make sure they are up to date with their pertussis vaccination.

For more information, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/immunisation.