The Department of Health is urging Western Australians to stay up to date with their whooping cough vaccinations, as cases of the infectious disease increase throughout the State.
WA recorded 220 whooping cough (pertussis) notifications in October this year, the largest number of reported cases in a month since November 2015. The figures come after record low levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Director Communicable Diseases Dr Paul Armstrong said vaccination was the best way for people of all ages to protect themselves and others against whooping cough.
"If you are pregnant, it's important to get vaccinated to help protect your baby as infants are at greatest risk of severe illness from whooping cough," Dr Armstrong said.
"Antibodies produced from vaccination during pregnancy are transferred to your unborn baby and help protect infants against whooping cough until they can receive their own vaccinations starting at six to eight weeks old."
Whooping cough vaccines are free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- children aged two months, four months, six months, 18 months and four years;
- adolescents aged 12 to13 years through school-based vaccination programs; and
- pregnant women, ideally between 20 to 32 weeks of each pregnancy.
Dr Armstrong said it was also important for parents and carers to get children and adolescents vaccinated on time.
"Although we are seeing an increase in whooping cough across all age groups, cases are highest in school-aged children – older children and adults are often the source of infection for infants," he said.
"Adolescents aged 12 to 13 years can get booster vaccine doses through the school-based immunisation program, in addition to routine vaccine doses in early childhood.
"Protection from vaccination or previous infection wanes over time, so booster vaccination is recommended for healthcare workers, early childcare educators and carers, and adult household contacts and carers of young infants, such as grandparents.
"A booster dose is also recommended for adults at 50 and 65 years of age if they have not had a whooping cough vaccine in the past 10 years," he said.
"Booster vaccinations for adults are available for a fee from GPs, select pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services."
Whooping cough causes a respiratory illness which can vary by age.
- It normally starts with common cold-like symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, tiredness, mild fever and an occasional cough.
- The cough typically gets worse and is often worse at night.
- Bouts of uncontrollable coughing may be followed by vomiting or choking. In some children it is associated with taking a big gasping breath which may cause a "whooping" sound.
- Some infants may not cough at all but can stop breathing and turn blue. Other infants may have difficulty feeding or they can choke and gag.
- Older children and adults may have a mild cough that lasts for many weeks.
People with whooping cough can spread the infection in the first three weeks of showing symptoms, however appropriate antibiotic treatment shortens the period that someone can pass it on to others.
"Anyone with symptoms of whooping cough should contact their GP or health provider and follow their advice to avoid spreading the infection to others," Dr Armstrong said.
"Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (24/7) if you or your child are unwell."
If the situation is life-threatening call Triple Zero (000).
