• Highly contagious: Whooping cough, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, spreads easily through respiratory droplets.

• Severe symptoms: Characterised by intense, prolonged coughing fits that may last weeks or months, it can cause significant distress and complications.

• Life-threatening risks for vulnerable groups: While severity varies, whooping cough can be fatal, especially in young infants and those with weakened immune systems.

• Complications: In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and sometimes death in infants.

Demographics Most at Risk

1.      Infants (especially under six months):

1. Extreme risk: Babies too young to be fully vaccinated are at the highest risk.

2. Severe complications: This includes pneumonia, seizures, apnoea (temporary breathing cessation), and in extreme cases, death.

3. Hospitalisation rates: Approximately half of infants under one year old with pertussis require hospitalisation.

2.      Older children and adults:

2. Less severe but persistent symptoms: While symptoms may resemble a prolonged cold, complications can still occur, such as rib fractures, hernias, and pneumonia.

3. Transmission risk: Mild or undiagnosed cases in adults can easily spread the disease to infants.

3.      Pregnant women:

3. Potential impact on newborns: Babies are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes if infected soon after birth.

4. Prevention through vaccination: The Tdap vaccine during pregnancy offers passive immunity to the newborn, critical in the first few months of life.

4.      Immunocompromised individuals:

4. High risk of severe complications: This includes pneumonia, which can further strain fragile health.

Your Responsibilities in Early Years for Safeguarding Against Whooping Cough

• Promote vaccination compliance: Encourage parents to follow vaccination schedules for DTaP and Tdap to reduce infection risks.

• Educate staff and parents: Provide information on recognising symptoms and understanding the importance of vaccinations.

• Implement illness policies: Require unwell children and staff to stay home until they are no longer contagious to prevent outbreaks.

• Respond swiftly to symptoms: Encourage early medical evaluation for any child or staff member showing signs of whooping cough, particularly to prevent spread among high-risk infants.

• Protect vulnerable infants: Pay special attention to infants under six months, implementing preventive measures to minimise their exposure.