Abstract
Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) is experiencing a marked increase in whooping cough cases. Unimmunised pēpi (infants) are the most vulnerable to severe illness and death. We
recommend two key priority areas to reduce the impact of severe pertussis in our communities. Firstly, ensure equitable access to pertussis immunisation in every pregnancy
by: establishing a centrally-governed, accountable antenatal immunisation system; investing in credible, evidence-based patient-facing immunisation information; and
enabling Lead Maternity Carers (LMCs) to deliver antenatal immunisations. Secondly, we need to intensify all initiatives to enable universal pēpi enrolment and engagement with
primary care by 6 weeks.