Health alert: Pertussis (Whooping cough)
Queensland Health advises clinicians remain aware of an increase in cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in the state. Children under 15 years of age account for 60% of all cases since 1 January 2024.
Health workers should remain alert for signs and symptoms of pertussis, particularly in patients who have had contact with confirmed cases.
Recommended vaccinations for health workers
It is recommended that health care workers receive their vaccine every 10 years due to the risk of pertussis transmission. Read more about the recommendations here.
More information for primary care workers
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Management guidelines and immunisation advice can be found on Queensland Health's website: www.health.qld.gov.au/disease-control/conditions/pertussis
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The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides clinical guidelines for health professionals on best practice use of vaccines.
Notifiable conditions
Metro South Health can help with management of contacts when an infectious case of pertussis is identified.
Report notifiable conditions to Metro South Health on (07) 3156 4000.