Australians planning to visit popular coastal holiday destinations this Christmas are being urged to check whether their whooping cough vaccinations are up to date, with medical experts warning the highly contagious disease could spread rapidly through busy summer crowds.
New data has flagged communities along a stretch of coastline from Byron Bay to Noosa as potential hotspots, with vaccination rates in some areas sitting as much as 35 per cent below the national average. The warning comes ahead of a period when these towns typically swell with visitors, raising concerns about the risk to vulnerable residents and travellers alike.
Why Holiday Hotspots Are at Particular Risk
A medical expert has explained that the combination of low local vaccination rates and large seasonal population increases creates ideal conditions for whooping cough to take hold. Speaking publicly, GP Dr Zac Turner noted that some of these popular destinations can see their populations grow to two, three or even four times their usual size during peak holiday periods.
"Popular holiday spots often have less of a vaccination rate and some of these places can actually swell by two or three or four times the population," he said.
Dr Turner warned that the mix of holidaymakers and permanent residents puts some of the most vulnerable community members at heightened risk, including grandparents, people aged over 65, young children, and infants. Newborn babies face the greatest danger, as they cannot receive their first whooping cough vaccination until around six weeks of age.
What Is Whooping Cough and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that attacks the lungs and airways. It typically begins with symptoms that resemble a common cold, including a runny nose, sneezing and a mild cough, before escalating into intense, prolonged coughing fits that can persist for weeks or even months.
For babies, these coughing episodes can be life-threatening. Infants may struggle to breathe, temporarily stop breathing altogether, or develop serious complications including pneumonia. The disease poses a severe risk to anyone who is not adequately protected, and immunity from either past infection or previous vaccination can decline significantly over time, meaning many adults may no longer be protected even if they were vaccinated years ago.
Who Should Get Vaccinated Before the Holiday Season
Dr Turner urged anyone planning to spend time around newborns, pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems to speak to their doctor about a booster shot, particularly if they have not been vaccinated in the past decade.
Pregnant women received specific advice to ensure they receive a booster during every pregnancy, with the recommended window being between 20 and 32 weeks gestation.
"For every pregnant woman, it's important that with each child you get those booster shots between 20 weeks and 32 weeks," Dr Turner said.
He also emphasised the relatively low cost of protection, noting that the vaccine is available for between $30 and $45, and encouraged anyone uncertain about their vaccination history to consult their GP before the holiday period gets underway.
"It's $30 to $45 for these vaccines. Go and get one, and you can make sure that you can keep safe," he said.
Checking Your Vaccination Status Before You Travel
Health experts are encouraging all Australians, not just those travelling to known hotspot regions, to review their immunisation records ahead of the summer holidays. Those who are unsure when they last received a booster should seek advice from a medical professional as soon as possible.
The warning serves as a timely reminder that summer holiday plans should include a health check alongside travel preparations. With vaccination rates in some communities well below safe thresholds, the risk of a rapid outbreak during the busy festive season remains a genuine public health concern heading into the warmer months.
