Whooping Cough spike in SA sparks urgent push for adult vaccination

National Pharmacies is encouraging adults caring for and working with infants to vaccinate against Whooping Cough as the latest health data reveals 663 cases of the life-threatening virus have been recorded so far this year across South Australia.

“The best way to protect vulnerable babies from Whooping Cough in South Australia is to ensure adults who care for and work with young children receive a Whopping Cough booster,” said National Pharmacies Chief Pharmacist Bec Rogers.

“At National Pharmacies, we most commonly administer the booster to adults who have a baby coming into their family,” said Ms Rogers. “But it’s important that vulnerable target groups also receive boosters to reduce Whooping Cough from further spreading across the community.”

These include: pregnant women, healthcare workers, early childcare educators, people in close contact with infants and adults aged 65 years and up.

SA Health data released yesterday shows 663 cases of Whooping Cough have been reported to date in 2024 compared to 59 cases the same time last year -  a more than ten-fold increase. Weekly case numbers have increased to their highest in eight weeks - 75 cases for the week ending 21.09.24.

Ms Rogers said with the current wave of Whooping Cough in South Australia, anyone spending time around infants less than six months of age – including grandparents - should check their immunization history and book in for a booster if required. 

Infants under six months are not yet fully immunised against Whooping Cough and represent the highest cohort of Whooping Cough hospital admission and deaths.

“Community pharmacies like National Pharmacies are able to administer Whooping Cough immunizations to adults and children aged five and up, providing greater access to health care and helping ease pressure off our busy hospital and GPs,” said Ms Rogers.

Whooping Cough is a bacterial infection that spreads from one person to another and causes severe episodes of coughing.  Also known as the ‘100-day cough’, it can take weeks to months to recover and can cause serious health problems.

To book your Whooping Cough immunization call your local National Pharmacy or book online at www.nationalpharmacies.com.au under ‘health services’.