A baby has died from whooping cough in the first fatal case of the disease reported in England this year, prompting an urgent plea from health officials for pregnant women to get vaccinated.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the death occurred between January and June 2025. It is the 33rd fatal case since the whooping cough vaccine was introduced, and the 27th involving a child born to an unvaccinated mother.
The whooping cough vaccine, known as ADACEL, is routinely offered to pregnant women around 20 weeks and is most effective when given between 20 and 32 weeks. It protects the baby from birth by passing immunity through the placenta.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA deputy director, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family who have so tragically lost their baby. Ensuring women are vaccinated in pregnancy has never been more important.”
Vaccine uptake has been declining, and Health Minister Stephen Kinnock blamed “conspiracy theorists” for spreading misinformation. He said: “There’s been a 10-year trend in declining take-up of vaccines, and the vaccine hesitancy that came after the pandemic has definitely not helped.”
UKHSA data show none of the main childhood vaccines reached the 95% uptake target last year. Pregnant women who have not yet been offered the jab are urged to speak to their GP or midwife.
