Ireland is witnessing a significant rise in whooping cough cases, with 551 reported this year compared to just 18 in all of 2022. The Irish College of GPs highlights that about 20% of these cases are in children under five, particularly endangering infants under six months. Dr. Scott Walkin emphasizes the critical need for vaccination, as two-thirds of young infant cases require hospitalization and can lead to severe complications. Vaccines are available for free through GPs, and pregnant women are urged to get vaccinated to protect their newborns during their vulnerable early months.