Health New Zealand reported last Tuesday that the national pertussis epidemic in Aotearoa New Zealand has been declared over. The epidemic began in November 2024.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is endemic in New Zealand and continues to circulate in the community. Therefore, while the national epidemic has ended, pertussis cases and local outbreaks will continue to occur.
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From the beginning of 2026 through August 21, 1,254 pertussis cases were reported. One reported death tied to the current epidemic cycle was reported.
Canterbury (257), Bay of Plenty (189) and Waikato (148) saw the most cases in 2026.
Health officials advise:
The national pertussis epidemic has been declared over. However, pertussis continues to circulate in the community at lower, non-epidemic levels.
It remains important that hapū māmā and pēpi (pregnant mother and baby) receive pertussis-containing vaccinations on time.
Pertussis vaccination is funded from 13 weeks pregnant for each pregnancy (and most effective from 16 weeks of pregnancy) and for pēpi at 6 weeks, 3 month and 5 months of age.
Pertussis vaccination should be encouraged for extended whānau who have close contact with hapū māmā and pēpi. Depending on their age and number of funded vaccines already received, they may not be eligible for a funded vaccine.