Cases of whooping cough continue to rise across England and infants who are too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk.
Parents of babies over 8 weeks olds are also urged to get their young children protected against the disease that is caused by a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, spreads easily and can sometimes cause serious problems including pneumonia and seizures. In rare cases it can be fatal.
The whooping cough vaccine is routinely given as part of:
- the 6-in-1 vaccine – for babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks
- the 4-in-1 pre-school booster – for children aged 3 years 4 months
- pregnant mums ideally have the vaccine between 16 and 32 weeks
If you are pregnant and have not been vaccinated, or your child has missed their whooping cough or other routine vaccinations, contact your GP practice to get protected.
The first signs of whooping cough are similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat.
As the infection takes hold:
- coughing bouts develop that last for a few minutes and are worse at night
- sometimes there is a ‘whoop’ sound – a gasp for breath between coughs
- young infants may have difficulty breathing after a coughing bout and may turn blue or grey
If you or your child have symptoms ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111.
“...the disease can be life-threatening for young infants and it is important families come forward to get the protection they need”
Kent County Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “The latest figures show whooping cough cases are continuing to rise sharply across the country and sadly that eight babies died from the disease between January and April.
“There can be no stronger reminder that while whooping cough can affect people of all ages, the disease can be life-threatening for young infants and it is important families come forward to get the protection they need.
“This is particularly so for pregnant mothers who can pass on the immunity they get from the vaccine to their unborn child. This ensures babies are protected until they are old enough to receive their own vaccinations from 8 weeks.
“If you are pregnant and have not been vaccinated yet, or your child is not up to date with whooping cough or other routine vaccinations, please contact your GP as soon as possible; and if you or your child show symptoms request an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111.”
Medway Council’s Acting Director of Public Health, Dr David Whiting, said: “Whooping cough is an unpleasant illness which can spread easily and can cause serious complications, especially for babies and young children.
“Vaccination is the best form of defence; we have to help keep our loved ones safe and healthy, and I would encourage parents and carers to make sure their children are up to date with all of their vaccinations, including whooping cough.”
