A plea for parents to vaccinate their babies from whooping cough amidst a potential outbreak

Data from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research reveal 155 confirmed cases as of two days ago.

There were only 141 cases overall last year.

The cough can last up to three months, is highly contagious, and could be fatal for newborns.

Auckland University vaccinologist Helen Petousis-Harris is urging pregnant mothers to get boosters, as it passes on protective antibodies to the baby.

She says babies also need to get their immunisations on time.