There is currently an epidemic going on in the North Coast of NSW, which is why there is a big drive on at the moment to vaccinate, in particular older adults and parents. The reason is that immunity to pertussis (the whooping cough bacteria) wanes over time.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. Whooping cough requires a period of close contact to spread - it isn't spread through casual contact and it won't spread from members of the public. It usually spreads through households because of the amount of close, intimate contact. Our paediatrician (the one we see of the girls, not the ones I work with ) has never seen a case with less than a few hours of close contact.

Having said that, it is also worth keeping in mind that the most infectious period of whooping cough is the first week, before the cough even starts. It starts with cold and flu-like symptoms, so it can be very hard to police contact in family members.

Best of luck with your decision.