Whooping Cough in the Northern Territory

A. The number of people who have been diagnosed with whooping cough:

B. FREE Adult whooping cough vaccination program:

Australia is currently experiencing an epidemic of whooping cough. In light of this, some states and territories are offering free adult whooping cough vaccinations for certain groups who have close contact with newborns.

1. WHO:  All fathers and carers in the same household of an infant under the age of 7 months. The vaccine can be given to this group from the time the expectant mother has reached the 28th week of pregnancy.  All new mothers after delivery of the baby if they have not received the vaccine in hospital prior to discharge (the vaccine is not given during pregnancy).
2. WHERE: GP clinics or through hospital maternity units for new mothers
3. WHEN: program is ongoing

Please refer to the State Health Department website for up-to-date program information.

A single booster dose of adult whooping cough vaccine is recommended for all adults planning a pregnancy, for both parents as soon as possible after delivery of an infant, grandparents, healthcare and childcare workers.²

C. Local media articles on whooping cough

• Vaccination Reminder as Whooping Cough cases climb
• Whooping cough outbreak spurs vaccination calls