Whooping cough nasal spray 'a major breakthrough'

A NEW vaccine being developed for whooping cough could offer better protection and stop the virus spreading, scientists say.

- ASHLEY DALTON MP

Whooping cough can be deadly and spreads very easily between people.

There were around 15,000 cases reported in England in 2024, up from 856 the year before. Eleven babies died.

At present, babies, children and pregnant women are all offered a vaccine on the NHS to protect against the illness.

Now, a new Government-funded clinical trial has found a new nasal spray vaccine can stop whooping cough bacteria from living in the nose and throat, which is vital for stopping the spread of infection.