A leading infectious diseases paediatrician says an outbreak of pertussis is on the horizon and could infect tens of thousands of Australians going into the Christmas period.

Professor Robert Booy, of the University of Sydney, says the next wave is imminent, with outbreaks expected every three to five years.

So far in 2023, Australia had recorded more than double the number of cases seen in 2022 (1234 at 8 November, compared to 481 cases in 2022).

The most recent Australian epidemic peaked in late 2015, with 22,570 confirmed cases.