Pertussis (whooping cough) rates are on the rise in New Zealand.  

Pertussis is always present in our communities, but every 3-5 years we get a significant rise in cases leading to an outbreak that lasts around 18 months to two years before rates return to a baseline level.  

The last outbreak in New Zealand peaked in 2017/2018, however the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the standard pattern of many infectious diseases, including pertussis, so we have been expecting a further outbreak for some time.

We are now seeing a rise in pertussis cases across many regions in New Zealand. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to:

• Advise pregnant people of the current increase in pertussis cases and strongly recommend the free Boostrix vaccination with every pregnancy. The vaccine is funded from the second trimester of pregnancy and recommended from 16 weeks. Vaccination during pregnancy is 92% protective against infant death from pertussis.
• Encourage all members of the extended whānau, including infants, children and older people to check they are up to date with all immunisations, especially their pertussis boosters - funded for people aged 4 years (Infanrix-hexa), 11 years, 45 years and 65 years (Boostrix). Some whānau may wish to privately purchase a booster (Adacel) if a newborn baby is expected to join the household. 
• Ensure all babies receive on-time 6 week immunisations.
• Ensure pathways are in place to identify, diagnose and notify cases as well as seek public health advice for vaccinating close contacts, as recommended.
• Encourage all staff, including reception, administrative and retail, to ensure they are up to date with immunisations (in particular pertussis and measles). Booster vaccinations of Boostrix every 5 years are recommended for all lead maternity carers and healthcare workers who are in regular contact with infants.
• Notify the Medical Officer of Health as soon as you suspect a case of pertussis.

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Quick access to IMAC pertussis resources can be found below.

Additionally, you can find links to Ministry of Health Manatū Hauora information and Health New Zealand-Te Whatu Ora public-facing information.

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Quick links to IMAC's pertussis resources

   
• Immunisation Handbook chapter on pertussis
• Boostrix vaccine details can be found here
• Pertussis factsheet
• Quick answers to frequent Tdap questions can be found here
• Information on pertussis disease and its impact can be found here
• Boostrix eligibility clarification for 45 and 65 year olds can be found here
• Auckland Regional Public Health resources and information on pertussis can be found here
• If you can't find what you're looking for, try a search for pertussis on our website

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Health New Zealand-Te Whatu Ora information

• Continue to check HealthPathways for up-to-date pertussis information
• For latest media releases check here: News and updates – Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand
• Guidance to support prevention and management of cases, contacts and outbreaks can be found here
• Posters for pertussis vaccination in pregnancy

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Ministry of Health-Manatū Hauora information

• General information on pertussis

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