Public Health Agency Recommends Whooping Cough Vaccine Amidst Case Surge

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising pregnant individuals and guardians of young children to receive the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine, following a notable increase in reported infections. A total of 3,060 confirmed whooping cough cases have been recorded in Northern Ireland this year to date, a figure the PHA states is considerably elevated compared to previous years. Whooping cough, a bacterial infection, is highly contagious and can be serious, spreading with ease and particularly affecting babies and young children severely. It carries a risk of fatality for infants and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Rachel Spiers, the Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the PHA, noted that the disease “tends to circulate in greater numbers in Northern Ireland every three to four years”. Ms. Spiers further stated that the current year’s surge represents the highest incidence observed by the PHA in recent memory, with case numbers reaching their peak in May 2024. She added, “Although numbers have fallen it is a timely reminder of the importance of vaccination.” “Whooping cough is a disease that can cause long bouts of coughing and choking, which can make it hard to breathe.” Data indicates that a pregnant woman who receives the pertussis vaccine decreases her baby’s likelihood of contracting whooping cough by 90%. “Babies and young children are at greatest risk of developing more serious disease, so it is very important to take up the offer of the pertussis vaccine,” she emphasized. Expectant mothers are advised to get vaccinated between 16 and 32 weeks of gestation, and the pertussis vaccine is also administered to children as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, and again at 3 years 4 months. Ms. Spiers advised, “If you are unsure if your child is up to date with vaccinations, the easiest way to check is to look at your child’s red book or speak to your health visitor or GP practice.” Pertussis vaccines are accessible via Health Trust antenatal clinics and general practitioner practices. Initial symptoms resemble those of a common cold, including a runny nose and a sore throat. Approximately one week later, the infection may progress to episodes of coughing lasting several minutes, which commonly intensify during the night. Infants might exhibit a characteristic “whoop” sound or experience respiratory distress following a coughing spell. This bacterial infection is transmitted via coughs and sneezes. While individuals of any age can contract whooping cough, it poses the greatest risk of severity to young children and infants. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.