Spike in whooping cough cases prompts vaccination warning for ECEC

Australia is experiencing its largest whooping cough outbreak in more than 30 years, placing infants and early childhood education and care (ECEC) services at increased risk. Health experts are urging educators and families to check vaccination status and remain alert to early symptoms.

Australia sees highest case numbers since 1991

In the first half of 2025, more than 14,000 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) have been reported nationally. This follows over 57,000 cases in 2024 the highest annual total since 1991 with significant spikes in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia’s Kimberley region.

While pertussis circulates in the community every few years, the current surge is more severe than expected. Public health experts point to reduced natural immunity during COVID-19 lockdowns, disrupted routine immunisations and rising vaccine hesitancy as key drivers.

Infants and ECEC settings at highest risk

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be life-threatening for babies under six months of age, many of whom are too young to be fully immunised. These infants are at increased risk of complications such as pneumonia, seizures or encephalitis, and may require hospitalisation.

ECEC services are high-risk environments due to the close contact between children, staff and families. Siblings of young children are a common source of infection, highlighting the need for family-wide protection.

Booster doses essential for educators and carers

While the pertussis vaccine is effective, its protection fades over time. Booster vaccinations are recommended at 18 months, four years, and again during adolescence and adulthood.

Adults working with young children, including early childhood educators, should receive a booster every 10 years. Vaccination during pregnancy is also strongly advised to pass protective antibodies to newborns.

The National Health and Medical Research Council’s Staying Healthy guidelines recommend all staff in ECEC settings be up to date with immunisations, including pertussis.

What services can do to protect children and staff

The Staying Healthy resource outlines exclusion periods for confirmed cases: at least 21 days from the onset of coughing, or until five days after starting antibiotics. The same applies to educators and carers.

Services are encouraged to:

• Review immunisation policies and support staff to access boosters
• Communicate with families about symptoms and vaccination schedules
• Reinforce hygiene practices and illness exclusion policies
• Monitor for signs of persistent coughs among children and staff

Early symptoms can mimic a mild cold, including a runny nose, slight fever, and persistent cough. The cough may develop into severe bouts ending in a distinctive “whoop” sound. In babies, symptoms may be more subtle, including episodes where breathing briefly stops.

Further information and resources

Antibiotics can reduce the infectious period to five days. Without treatment, individuals may remain contagious up to three weeks. Anyone with a prolonged cough should seek medical advice and testing.

Immunisation history can be checked through myGov or by contacting a GP.

For detailed guidance on managing communicable diseases in early learning environments, download the NHMRC’s Staying Healthy – 5th edition here.