Pertussis (whooping cough) is an illness we need to protect against. It is highly contagious and can cause serious harm to pēpi and older adults. A pertussis epidemic, which was declared in November 2024, is ongoing in Aotearoa New Zealand with significant numbers of people continuing to be affected across the motu.
Antenatal immunisations are free and are recommended from 16 weeks of every pregnancy. Pertussis boosters are also given at 11 years, 45 years (if fewer than four tetanus doses previously), and 65 years in addition to the routine childhood immunisation schedule.
Immunisation is available from your GP, Hauora Māori service, by many midwives, or at most vaccinating pharmacies.