You may have heard that whooping cough/pertussis is going around and affecting some people in our community. If you don't know, whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system and can lead to a serious long-term coughing illness and is particularly dangerous for babies. The National Public Health Service has now declared this a national epidemic.
Whooping cough vaccines are fully funded for:
• pregnant people from 13 weeks
• all children under 18 years
• adults aged 45 to 65 years.
Vaccinations and boosters for whooping cough are available at Kaipara Medical Centre either with a scheduled appointment, or via our walk-in clinic between 9am - 3pm weekdays. Please note, charges may apply if you do not qualify for the funded vaccination.
If you are unsure if you need a vaccination, please call on 09 420 8400 and press 3 to speak with the nurse.
More information about whooping cough can be found on the Health New Zealand website here.
November 26, 2024
