FAMILIES across the Moree Plains are strongly advised to be vaccinated against whooping cough, with reported cases in the district on the rise.

NSW Health is urging pregnant women, parents and carers of babies, grandparents and other people in close contact with babies to be vaccinated to protect babies from severe disease.

Associate Medical Practice in Moree issued a statement urging the community to get vaccinated against whooping cough, also known as pertussis.

“NSW Health is urging pregnant women, parents and carers of babies, grandparents and other people in close contact with babies to get vaccinated to protect babies from severe disease,” the statement says.

Moree shire residents are encouraged to call and book an appointment to be vaccinated.

“If you are unsure of when you last had a vaccination, our practice nurse can advise you. It is recommended if you are in contact with babies and children to have been vaccinated within the last 10 years.

“If you think yourself, or a family member, may have whooping cough, please inform reception when you ring and enter the premises from the back door.”

The latest NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report shows notifications of whooping cough are at their highest level since 2016, with over 12,000 cases reported from January to September 2024.

Families across the Moree Plains are strongly advised to be vaccinated against whooping cough.

NSW Health’s Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Christine Selvey, said vaccination in pregnancy is very important to help protect newborn babies who are most at risk of serious illness from whooping cough.

“Free whooping cough vaccines are available for all pregnant women. Pregnant women are recommended to be vaccinated between 20 and 32 weeks of every pregnancy as this enables whooping cough antibodies to be transferred to their unborn baby,” Dr Selvey said.

“Parents and carers should ensure all children are vaccinated on time, especially in the first six months of life.

“It’s also important all people in contact with newborn babies have had a pertussis vaccine within the previous 10 years. People aged 5 years and over can receive pertussis vaccination from GPs, pharmacist immunisers, and Aboriginal medical services.

“While notifications are increasing in all age groups, cases are highest in school aged children. NSW Health works with the Department of Education and the early childhood education sector, to increase awareness and provide information to families and staff about the importance of vaccination, early diagnosis and treatment.”