Western Australia (WA) Health is collaborating with national health experts to mark National Whooping Cough Day on November 8, highlighting the critical need for up-to-date vaccination against whooping cough, also known as pertussis. This initiative is part of the “Stay Up to Date: Vaccinate!” campaign led by the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA) to increase public awareness about pertussis risks and promote vaccination across all age groups.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, leading to prolonged bouts of severe coughing that can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and sometimes a characteristic “whooping” sound during inhalation. Infants, especially those under four months of age, are most vulnerable to severe complications and death because they are not yet fully immunized. The disease can also cause serious illness in older children and adults, potentially requiring hospitalization.
Current Epidemiology and Public Health Concerns in Western Australia
In WA, pertussis cases have surged over the past two years, with 1,173 cases reported in 2025 alone. The Kimberley and Southwest regions show the highest incidence rates. This rise reflects broader national trends, where Australia recorded more than 57,000 whooping cough cases in 2024, the highest yearly total since case monitoring began in 1991. Children aged 5 to 14 accounted for the majority of reported infections, highlighting the persistent threat among school-aged populations.
According to WA Health’s Director of Communicable Disease Control, Dr. Paul Armstrong, “Whooping cough remains a significant public health concern due to its contagiousness and potential severity, especially in infants. Immunisation remains the most effective way to protect individuals and prevent the community spread of this infection.”
Vaccination: The Cornerstone of Protection
Vaccination against pertussis is the primary preventive measure endorsed by global and national health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian Department of Health. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight Bordetella pertussis, reducing both the incidence and severity of infection. Because protection wanes over time, regular booster doses are critical to maintaining immunity throughout life and preventing transmission to vulnerable populations.
Vaccination recommendations in Australia include:
- Infants: doses at 2, 4, and 6 months, with boosters at 18 months and four years
- Adolescents: school-based booster at 12 to 13 years
- Pregnant women: recommended vaccination between 20 to 32 weeks of each pregnancy to confer passive immunity to newborns
- Adults: booster doses every 10 years if not vaccinated within the past decade
Vaccines are available free of charge under the National Immunisation Program for eligible groups, with access through community health clinics, general practitioners, pharmacies, and Aboriginal Medical Services. These targeted vaccination strategies are critical to protecting infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated and mitigating outbreaks in the community.
Why This Matters: Public Health and Community Impact
The ability of whooping cough to circulate silently in populations and cause potentially life-threatening disease in infants underscores the need for continued vigilance. Infected individuals can unknowingly spread the illness to family and community members before symptoms worsen. Extended illness, sometimes called the “100-day cough,” can cause complications such as pneumonia and rib fractures, affecting quality of life and healthcare resources.
Effective immunisation programs reduce the burden of pertussis, limit outbreaks, and protect vulnerable groups, preventing hospitalizations and deaths. By encouraging adults to receive boosters and pregnant women to get vaccinated, public health authorities aim to build community immunity, a critical barrier against the spread of the disease.
Expert Guidance and Next Steps
Health officials urge all Western Australians to verify their vaccination status and access boosters promptly. Pregnant individuals should ensure vaccination between 20 and 32 weeks’ gestation to optimize newborn protection. Adolescents and adults, often carriers without severe symptoms, play a vital role in transmission chains and should maintain their immunisation schedule to help safeguard infants and broader communities.
The ongoing public health response integrates surveillance data, community engagement, and vaccination campaigns to address the pertussis resurgence. According to the Australian Centre for Disease Control, comprehensive vaccination and public awareness remain the most effective tools to prevent whooping cough and its complications.
For detailed information on whooping cough and vaccination services, reputable sources include the World Health Organization’s pertussis fact sheet, the Australian Centre for Disease Control, and the Australian Department of Health immunisation services page. Readers can also explore related coverage and updates on Globally Pulse Health.
