According to the Epidemiological Reporting System (EMS), Vienna has reported 985 confirmed cases of whooping cough since the start of the year, 14 times more than in all of 2023. The Vienna Medical Association has called on politicians to eliminate vaccination gaps and provide free vaccinations, booster shots to control the increase in cases and protect people from the disease.

It will cause “massive strain” on the health system

“Whooping cough is a serious and life-threatening disease for children. So we call once again to finally provide free quadruple vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and whooping cough. (…) As the autumn season of colds approaches, corona, influenza and Johannes Steinhardt, President of the Austrian and Vienna Medical Associations, appealed to us doctors and politicians, as the increasing number of whooping cough cases will also put a massive strain on our health system.

Free and timely diagnosis is required

Naghme Kamaleyan-Schmied, first vice-president of the Vienna Medical Association and head of resident doctors, reports from practice that whooping cough causes great suffering, especially among younger people.

“The current situation is worrying and can also be felt in our daily work. In my practice in Floridsdorf, I have already registered seven confirmed cases since the beginning of the year, not a single one in the last 14 years. Colleagues paint a similar picture,” said Gamaleyan-Schmidt.

Acting quickly is key. In addition to free booster vaccination, timely and free diagnosis is needed to quickly start appropriate treatment. Gamaleyan-Schmidt cautions that there is not much time to take the necessary measures and get the population through the cold season.