Pregnant women in England are being strongly encouraged to receive the whooping cough vaccine following a significant increase in cases that have resulted in the deaths of nine young babies. The NHS warns that whooping cough is a highly contagious illness that affects the lungs and breathing tubes.
Between January and May of this year, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a staggering 7,599 cases of whooping cough, a substantial increase from the 858 cases reported in the entirety of last year. The surge in cases has led to the deaths of nine infants. The agency emphasizes the importance of parents ensuring that their children are up to date with all their immunizations to prevent the spread of the disease.
Also known as pertussis, whooping cough is a bacterial infection that causes severe bouts of coughing, particularly at night. Babies under three months old are at the highest risk of contracting the disease, which is characterized by a distinctive “whoop” sound and difficulty breathing. To protect against whooping cough, pregnant women are offered the vaccine in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks, providing 92% protection against the disease in newborns.
In addition to the whooping cough vaccine, babies are given three doses of the six-in-one combined vaccine at eight, 12, and 16 weeks of age to safeguard against whooping cough, diphtheria, and other serious illnesses. While most cases of whooping cough this year have been in individuals aged 15 or older who typically experience mild symptoms, infants under three months old are the most vulnerable to severe infection.
Dr. Mary Ramsay, director of immunization at the UKHSA, stresses the importance of vaccination in protecting against whooping cough, especially for pregnant women and young infants. The vaccine given to pregnant women offers crucial protection to newborns, ensuring they are safeguarded during their most vulnerable months. Dr. Ramsay emphasizes the necessity of timely vaccinations, given the recent increase in cases and infant deaths.
Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for England, encourages women to access the vaccine, which not only protects against whooping cough but also diphtheria and tetanus. The vaccine can be obtained through GP services or some antenatal care providers. Parents are urged to ensure that their children receive the necessary vaccinations in the first few months of life as part of the routine NHS vaccine schedule.
As cases of whooping cough continue to rise, health officials stress the critical role of vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease and protecting vulnerable populations. Pregnant women and parents are urged to take advantage of vaccination services to safeguard themselves and their children against whooping cough and other serious illnesses.
