Newborns to be protected against whooping cough

Pregnant women will be offered whooping cough vaccinations to protect their newborn babies following a rise in cases and deaths amongst young infants, Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies has announced.

Vaccinations will start next week and will be offered to pregnant women during routing antenatal appointments with a nurse, midwife or GP. 

Professor Terence Stephenson, Chairman of the Academy said:

"Whooping cough (pertussis) can be a dangerous disease but many people think of it as something from the past, not an infection which kills anyone nowadays. Whooping cough can kill, especially tiny, vulnerable infants. We welcome offering pregnant women this vaccine which will protect them and their babies."

The full details of the programme due to start next week can be read on the DH website.