Pertussis spike in kids due to unpaid ‘immunity debt’
RSV season could also start early because of reduced immunity in young children, says Professor Robert Booy.
A paediatric ‘immunity debt’ has been blamed for a recent spike in pertussis, with more than 300 cases reported in Australia across all age groups since 1 January.
Infectious diseases paediatrician Professor Robert Booy says reduced immunity from a lack of exposure to respiratory infections has been behind the uptick in notifications since late 2023.
