Whooping cough vaccine uptake plummets to seven-year low in England
Latest figures reveal a worrying drop in the number of pregnant women getting the whooping cough jab. In 2022, only 61.5% of expectant mums across England took the vaccine — the lowest since 2016.
Why the jab matters
The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is given during pregnancy to shield newborns in their vulnerable first weeks. The disease can be deadly for little babies, often landing them in hospital with severe breathing issues, pneumonia, and in worst cases, brain damage or death.
The vaccine works by passing immunity from mother to child through the placenta. This protection lasts until babies can get their own routine shots, starting at 8 weeks old.
London lags behind
The UK Health Security Agency’s latest data shows England’s vaccine coverage dropped 3.9% from 2021, and a staggering 7.6% drop since 2020. The capital fares even worse, with just 41.4% of pregnant women in London getting the jab.
Experts warn: Get the jab now
“The whooping cough vaccination programme for pregnant women has been hugely successful in protecting newborn babies from serious illness,” said Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA.
“Whooping cough can cause pneumonia, permanent brain damage and even death in babies under 6 months. That’s why it’s vital all expectant mothers get vaccinated from 20 weeks to protect their babies.”
“If you’re unsure about your vaccine status, speak to your GP or midwife.”
Health Minister Maria Caulfield added: “Whooping cough can have serious, sometimes life-threatening effects on newborns. We urge all pregnant women to get the free vaccine and keep their babies safe.”
What you need to know about the whooping cough vaccine
- Available to pregnant women from 16 weeks onwards, and can be given right up until labour.
- Boosts immunity against polio, diphtheria, and tetanus as well.
- Babies continue protection with routine immunisations starting at 8 weeks.
Introduced in 2012 after a rise in whooping cough cases, the maternal vaccine provides up to 89% protection against hospitalisation and 97% against death in babies born to vaccinated mums.
With uptake at a seven-year low, health officials warn this drop could leave more babies at risk. Expectant mums: don’t wait. Get your jab and give your baby the best start in life.
