Whooping Cough Cases Quadruple in Australia as Vaccination Rates Plummet
Health experts are sounding the alarm over a dramatic surge in cases of whooping cough, a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease, as childhood vaccination numbers continue to decline across Australia. According to a new report, the country has recorded its highest rates of whooping cough in three decades, with cases quadrupling between 2024 and 2025.
Vaccination Scepticism Linked to COVID-19 Pandemic
GP Ginny Mansberg, speaking on Sunrise, attributed the declining vaccination trend to a direct hangover from the COVID-19 pandemic. She explained that increased scepticism about COVID-19 vaccines has spilled over into childhood vaccinations, including those for whooping cough. Mansberg urged parents to understand the serious nature of the illness, which is far more than just a basic cough.
"This can be fatal, particularly in young children. There’s a toxin released by this bacteria that damages the lining of the lungs," she said. The illness, often referred to as the "100-day cough," can take months to repair lung lining damage, leaving children without proper sleep for extended periods.
Effectiveness of the Whooping Cough Vaccine
Mansberg highlighted the high effectiveness of the whooping cough vaccine, which shows a 90 to 95 per cent rate of effectiveness at preventing the illness and keeping babies out of the hospital. She described the decline in vaccination rates as a "real shame," noting that it undermines herd immunity.
"We’ve lost that ability to protect all Australian children in the process that we call herd immunity. So you only need a certain number to be vaccinated to put a ring around absolutely everybody," she said. "We’ve got really strong data on the effectiveness of this vaccine. Like it’s unbelievable how good it is."
Addressing Parental Concerns
As a medical practitioner, Mansberg stressed the importance of listening to the concerns of parents who are hesitant to vaccinate rather than dismissing them. She emphasised that most parents want the best for their children and should be heard out.
"I’ve never met a parent who wants to do the wrong thing by their children. So we’ve got to hear them out, and we’ve got to address their concerns," she said. This approach is crucial in rebuilding trust and encouraging higher vaccination uptake to combat the rising whooping cough cases.
