baby dies of whooping cough with childhood vaccine rates at lowest level for 15 years

A vaccine against pertussis (whooping cough) is available to pregnant women before birth (Picture: Getty)

A baby under a year old has died of whooping cough this year,after their mother was not vaccinated during pregnancy.

This is the first death from the disease,officially called pertussis,so far this year.

The infant died between March and June 2025,government data shows.

Babies under a year old are too young to be vaccinated for the disease directly,but can receive protection in the womb if their mother is vaccinated during pregnancy.

After a vaccine for pregnant women was introduced in October 2012,deaths of infants confirmed to have whooping cough dropped by almost half,from 64 in the twelve years prior to 33 in the twelve years since.

Dr Mary Ramsay,director of immunisation at UKHSA,said: ‘Far too many children will not be fully protected and safe when starting school,and are at risk of serious diseases,such as measles and whooping cough,that have in recent years caused outbreaks.

‘Measles,being the most infectious disease,is the “canary in the coalmine” and a wake-up call that urgent action is needed to stop the very real risk of other diseases re-emerging.

‘That is why there needs to be a concerted effort in providing these vitally important vaccines,to make time to speak and reassure any parents who may have concerns,and make it as easy as possible for their children to get vaccinated.’

She urged parents to check their children are up to date with their jabs and to contact their GP as soon as possible if they are not.