In response to the recent outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in Aotearoa New Zealand, health authorities have initiated the rollout of the free BOOSTRIX booster vaccination.

This proactive measure by Te Marae Ora health ministry aims to safeguard the community against the highly contagious respiratory disease, which poses significant health risks, particularly to infants and vulnerable people.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications, especially for babies and those with weakened immune systems.

The current outbreaks in New Zealand, Samoa and Tahiti highlight the need for increased protection.

BOOSTRIX is a vaccine used for booster vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.

The booster vaccination is available to 11-year-olds, the vulnerable from the age of 65, and pregnant women.

Rarotonga resident Tai Topa accompanied his grandson Stephen Topa to his booster vaccination.

“I want to make sure my grandson is protected against any illnesses. And with this vaccine that is now here, this is a good time to get it done,” said Topa.

“I felt all right, it didn’t hurt,” said 11-year-old Stephen Topa.

Another granddad, Paraia “Buntu” Vainerere and his wife were pleased to take their granddaughter Teruaharii Vainerere for her vaccination.

“It’s protection for her, you don’t know what’s going to happen so we’re are giving our consent for her protection,” Vainerere said.

Public health specialist Dr Sandi Mitchell said in November 2024, New Zealand declared a whooping cough outbreak. Samoa followed suit.

“We (Te Marae Ora) met as an emergency response team for a plan of action to prevent it coming into the Cook Islands,” said Dr Mitchell.

She said currently babies are vaccinated from the age of six weeks up to the age of four. Pregnant women get vaccinated because babies can’t have their vaccinations until they are six weeks old.

Metuakore Bates, director public health, said that the BOOSTRIX booster used in the vaccination rollout is recommended by New Zealand, where it has been administered for years.

“What we are using is safe, this has all been done elsewhere,” Bates said.

Considering the thousands of travellers between Rarotonga/Cook Islands and New Zealand, it is important for children and the vulnerable to receive the booster vaccination, says Bates.

She would like to remind parents and guardians that a signed parental consent form is required before any child can receive the vaccination.

The BOOSTRIX vaccine is known for its effectiveness in providing immunity against whooping cough and has been used worldwide, including New Zealand, for many years.

Early symptoms of whooping cough resemble a common cold: runny nose, mild cough, and fever. After about one to two weeks, the coughing worsens, often leading to severe fits of coughing followed by a “whooping” sound, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.

Pertussis is highly infectious. It affects the breathing tract causing severe spells of coughing that may interfere with normal breathing. It can also cause severe ear infections, long lasting bronchitis, pneumonia, fits, brain damage and death. The risk of severe complications and death is greatest in infants under six months of age.

Even healthy children can catch and spread whooping cough, vaccinating your child helps protect them and reduces the risk of spreading the disease to others in the community. Bates encourages parents who have children showing signs of early symptoms to get them to the doctor in Tupapa.

The public health nurses will be rolling out the free BOOSTRIX vaccines between the hours of 9am to 2pm at the Public Health Administration building in Tupapa until this Friday.

For further enquiries, contact the director of public health in Tupapa on phone 29110.