A baby has become the first to die from whooping cough this year – sparking an urgent plea from health bosses for pregnant mothers to get vaccinated. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the infant’s mother had not received the jab against the dangerous infection, which is usually administered to women at 20 weeks into a pregnancy.

The child’s death, which happened between January and June 2025, is the first fatal case of the infection in the UK this year. Vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough, which can be dangerous for very young babies. Pregnant women will usually be offered a vaccine called ADACEL that protects against whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus, according to the NHS website.

However, since the Covid pandemic doctors have noticed a worrying rise in “vaccine hesitancy”, with rates of whooping cough vaccination dropping from around 76% a decade ago to just 59% in March this year. Last week, health minister Stephen Kinnock said it is “common sense” for parents to vaccinate their children.

According to the NHS, “whooping cough (pertussis) is an infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It spreads very easily and can be serious. It’s important for babies, children and anyone who’s pregnant to get vaccinated against it.”

The national health body’s website adds: “Babies under 12 months old with whooping cough have an increased chance of having problems such as, dehydration, breathing difficulties, pneumonia and seizures (fits).”

Whooping cough is so named because of the ‘whoop’ sound some sufferers make as they gasp for air between severe coughing fits.

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.

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

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

“This passes protection to their baby in the womb so that they are protected from birth.

“We want to ensure every expectant mother is offered the vaccine at the optimal time and understands that this vaccine is the best way to protect their baby during those crucial first weeks after birth.

“If you are pregnant and approaching 20 weeks, and haven’t been offered the whooping cough vaccine, please speak to your GP or midwife today to find out how you can get your vaccine.”

Symptoms of whooping cough

The first signs of whooping cough are similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat (a high temperature is uncommon).

After about a week, you or your child:

• will get coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at night
• may make a “whoop” sound – a gasp for breath between coughs (young babies and some adults may not “whoop”)
• may have difficulty breathing after a coughing bout and may turn blue or grey (young infants)
• may bring up a thick mucus, which can make you vomit
• may become very red in the face (more common in adults)
• The cough may last for several weeks or months.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

• your baby is under 6 months old and has symptoms of whooping cough
• you or your child have a very bad cough that is getting worse
• you’ve been in contact with someone with whooping cough and you’re pregnant
• Check symptoms on 111 online (for children aged 5 and over) or call 111 (for children under 5).

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

• your or your child’s lips, tongue, face or skin suddenly turn blue or grey (on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet)
• you or your child are finding it hard to breathe properly (shallow breathing)
• you or your child have chest pain that’s worse when breathing or coughing – this could be a sign of pneumonia
• your child is having seizures (fits)
• For more information visit the NHS website here.