Adult whooping cough boosters urged by Starship doctor

Whooping cough cases in New Zealand doubled over the period 2010 to 2011, with over 1700 cases, 115 hospitalisations and one death. By May 2012, there have been 46 hospitalisations this year in the Auckland region alone, and evidence suggests we are in a three-to-five-year peak with even more hospitalisations – particularly in the very young. Starship consultant paediatrician, Dr Cameron Grant, urges people to do more to help protect vulnerable babies. Dr Grant says, “Babies up until five months, and particularly before the age of two months are most at risk of whooping cough. During whooping cough peak years we can see more than 100 cases at Starship. It’s a very serious disease for babies and unfortunately only limited options are available to treat it.” He says, “Of the infants admitted…one in 10 will end up in intensive care and, of these, one in six will die or be left with brain or lung damage.” The National Immunisation Schedule starts when a baby is six weeks old and includes immunisation against whooping cough (pertussis). Until then they are very vulnerable to severe disease, eg, coughing, vomiting and inability to breathe. Boosters are scheduled for age three and five months and four and 11 years. Dr Grant says, “The best way for parents, grandparents and others to protect babies is by getting a whooping cough booster vaccine before spending time with the new addition to the family.” Although not funded (costs about $30), the Ministry of Health recommends adults who live with or spend time with newborns should consider a whooping cough booster, as should early childhood educators and others working with young children.

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