
Whooping Cough epidemic
There is an epidemic of whooping cough in New Zealand, with a shocking 161 cases in the week of 2 December. More than 80 of these patients were babies under 12 months old, who are more at risk of complications or death.

There is no treatment for whooping cough, but if given early enough, an antibiotic can reduce its spread and symptoms.
People can carry and spread the infection without having symptoms themselves.
The whooping cough vaccine is on the national schedule at 6 weeks, 3 months, 5 months, age 4 and 11, and is also funded for people aged 45 and 65.
Women are recommended to get the vaccine when pregnant to protect their baby until they can have their first vaccine.
If your child has not been immunised, for whatever reason, and you would like to talk to a medical professional about the vaccine, please ask one of our nurses or doctors, or visit the Immunisation Advisory Centre, where we can help you plan a catch-up immunisation schedule for your child.