The Ministry of Health has warned that babies and children under five who have not received all their vaccines are at high risk of contracting whooping cough.

A flu and vaccination clinic is now open in the Children’s Ward at Vanuatu National Hospital, alongside an isolation ward for admitted cases.

This comes after Efate reported its first confirmed case of whooping cough – an 11-month-old baby who missed the 10-month vaccination and was admitted to the hospital on 23 August.

So far, there have been 88 confirmed cases in Tanna and now one in Efate. The Ministry said all confirmed cases involve children under five who had not received all their recommended vaccines.

Emergency operation centres in the provincial health offices have been activated to provide vaccinations for babies. Health teams in Shefa Province are visiting communities to ensure children receive their vaccines.

The Ministry urges all parents to take children under five to health clinics to check and complete their vaccination schedules. They also advise practicing good hygiene at all times and seeking medical care immediately if anyone shows signs of whooping cough.