Whooping cough cases are rising

Whooping cough cases are rising. Babies are at greatest risk as they are too young to start their vaccinations. Book your vaccine through your GP or local maternity service

Whooping cough (pertussis) cases continue to rise, with 1,319 cases confirmed in March 2024 compared with 858 cases for the whole of 2023.

The infection can be serious for babies who are too young to start their vaccinations and may lead to complications resulting in hospitalisation and even death

The pertussis vaccination in pregnancy helps to protect people who are pregnant and young babies against serious illness.

The NHS is encouraging those who are pregnant to come forward, and for staff who come into contact with them to signpost or offer this vaccination at every opportunity.

You can find further resources from NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency.