Whooping cough jab advice after baby death

REGNANT women have been urged to get vaccinated following the death of a baby after contracting whooping cough.

- GEORGE LITHGOW

The death, which happened between January and June 2025, is the first fatal case of the infection in the UK this year.

The baby's mother had not had the vaccine, which is usually offered at 20 weeks' pregnant, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

Vaccination is the best defence

It is vital pregnant women and young infants receive their vaccines at the right time, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks

against whooping cough, which can be dangerous for very young babies.