Whooping cough cases increasing, health authorities launch prevention campaign

China is witnessing a dramatic resurgence of whooping cough (pertussis), with reported cases reaching a 40-year peak in 2024. Nearly 500,000 cases have been recorded this year—a 12-fold increase compared to 2023. Infants under one year old, particularly those under five months, are most vulnerable, accounting for one-third of cases in 2022.

In response, a nationwide campaign was launched to educate families about the dangers of pertussis and the importance of timely vaccination as the 39th National Children's Vaccination Day approached on Friday. Themed as "Vaccinate to prevent disease and safeguard health", this year's campaign reinforces vaccines as the most effective defense against infectious diseases.

Starting January 1, 2025, China's immunization program will administer the first dose of the DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) vaccine at two months of age—a critical step to protect infants from infection sooner.

Research shows that an "accelerated 2-3-4-month schedule" (compared to the traditional 2-4-6-month plan) can reduce infant pertussis cases by 21.7 percent and severe cases by 21.8 percent, according to Zeng Mei, deputy director of the infectious diseases department at Fudan University's Children's Hospital. Zeng urged parents to act fast to complete their baby's vaccination schedule.

After the initial three doses, children require two additional boosters at 18 months and 6 years to maintain long-term protection.

Experts also highlighted the benefits of combination vaccines, which reduce the number of injections while providing broader protection. Lu Jianyun, director of Guangzhou's Baiyun CDC, said combination vaccines are a game-changer, minimizing shots while maximizing safety and reducing adverse reactions.