Health experts are putting a greater emphasis on whooping cough vaccinations as cases start to surge

Immunisation Advisory Centre Medical Director Nikki Turner says she's expecting an epidemic of the disease in the next few months.

She says getting mothers vaccinated during pregnancy then three vaccines for babies at six weeks, three months and five months is vital.

Turner says it's important we get this right now.

She says the numbers are rising and we need to prepare before it surges.