A baby in the UK has died from whooping cough this year, highlighting the risks of skipping vaccinations during pregnancy. Public health data shows the child’s mother had not received the whooping cough vaccine.
The infant, believed to be under one year old, died between March and June, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This marks the first baby death from whooping cough in the country in 2025.
Between 2013 and June 2025, 33 babies in the UK died from whooping cough. Of these, 27 had mothers who were not vaccinated during pregnancy, including this year’s case.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be deadly for infants. Babies are most at risk before they receive all three doses of the vaccine, which are part of the ‘6-in-1’ immunization given at eight, 12, and 16 weeks of age.
Vaccines specifically for pregnant women were introduced in the UK in October 2012 to protect newborns in their first months of life. These vaccines help transfer protective antibodies from mother to baby, giving the child early immunity against whooping cough.
Health experts emphasize that maternal vaccination is a critical step in preventing severe illness and death in newborns. Babies rely on this early protection because they cannot receive the full course of vaccinations immediately after birth.
The UKHSA continues to monitor whooping cough cases closely. Health authorities urge pregnant women to get vaccinated to safeguard both their own health and their baby’s.
Infants who contract whooping cough often face severe coughing fits, difficulty breathing, and in some cases, life-threatening complications. Early vaccination of pregnant mothers has been proven to reduce the risk of infection in the first months of life.
Despite public awareness campaigns, some mothers still miss the opportunity for vaccination, leaving their infants vulnerable to preventable diseases like whooping cough.
The UKHSA recommends that all pregnant women receive the whooping cough vaccine between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. This window ensures the highest transfer of antibodies to the unborn child. Families are also encouraged to ensure that anyone in close contact with newborns is up to date on vaccinations, a strategy known as “cocooning.”
The tragic death of this infant serves as a reminder of the importance of maternal immunization. Health professionals continue to stress that timely vaccination during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to protect babies from serious diseases.
