"Whooping cough is a preventable disease. Immunisation for whooping cough is part of the routine child hood immunisation programme and we strongly recommend parents get their babies immunised on time,'' says Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health.
Whooping cough immunisations are given when a baby is 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months old and boosters are given to children at 4 and 11.
"On-time immunisation gives babies the best protection. For parents of older children it's a good reminder to
check their children are up to date with immunisations. It's never too late to catch up,'' Dr Shoemack said.
Adults who have a cough and work with young children should be especially vigilant in case they have whooping cough.
"If you're concerned about a cough stay away from babies and young children and talk to your doctor about whether it could be whooping cough,'' Dr Shoemack said.
Whooping cough immunisation is free for your child. Contact your family doctor or practice nurse for more information or to make an appointment for immunisation.
For more information call 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) or visit our website www.ttophs.govt.nz/whooping_cough.