Diseased infant, born to an unvaccinated mother, succumbs to pertussis (whooping cough)
In the UK, concerns have been raised by health professionals over declining childhood vaccination rates, as data shows that none of the routine infant jabs were on target in England last year. This trend is concerning, especially in light of recent tragic events.
Between 2013 and June 2025, a total of 33 babies died of whooping cough in the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that the most recent death occurred in 2025, making it the first baby whooping cough death in that year. The agency also reported a death in 2022, but no further details were provided.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is an infection of the lungs and breathing tubes that can be serious for infants as they are more vulnerable. The '6-in-1' jab, which includes vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b), and whooping cough, is given to babies at eight, 12, and 16 weeks old. Specific whooping cough vaccines were introduced for pregnant women in October 2012 to protect their children before they have had all three doses.
However, the UKHSA did not provide information on the specific whooping cough vaccine given to the babies who died or the vaccination status of the remaining six babies who died between 2013 and 2025. Similarly, no information was provided on the specific whooping cough vaccine given to the baby who died in 2025.
The agency did express condolences for a family who tragically lost their baby due to whooping cough. Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA deputy director, expressed her sympathies, emphasising the importance of vaccinations in protecting children from preventable diseases.
Another preventable disease causing concern is chickenpox. The vaccine against chickenpox will be added to the combined one for mumps, measles, and rubella, and will be available for all 12 to 18-month-olds from January 2026. This is the first time that chickenpox vaccines will be rolled out for babies in the UK.
Unfortunately, a child death due to measles was reported at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool in July. As with whooping cough, it is crucial to ensure that children are vaccinated against measles to prevent such tragedies.
It is essential for parents to ensure their children are up-to-date with their vaccinations to protect them from these preventable diseases. The UKHSA encourages parents to discuss any concerns they may have with their healthcare provider.
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