Health chiefs hail success of whooping cough vaccination drive
80% of expectant mums in Wiltshire and Swindon, and their babies, have been protected
Four in five pregnant women in Swindon & Wiltshire have been vaccinated against whooping cough, according to new figures released by the UK Health Security Agency.
Eight per cent of mums to be got the jab, helping to give their babies vital early protection, said the health body.
The figures exceeded the South West average of 78.9 per cent – up from 71.7 per cent last year and 64.1 per cent in 2023. The South West was the best-performing region in England.
The increase follows UKHSA calls for pregnant women to come forward in light of falling vaccination rates and a large outbreak in 2024 when monthly whooping cough cases peaked at over 3,000 in May 2024.
Young babies are at the highest risk of severe complications and death from whooping cough.
Eleven babies died from the bacterial infection in England last year.
The whooping cough vaccine is offered to all pregnant women normally around the mid pregnancy scan that is usually at about 20 weeks.
It can be given from week 16 and ideally by 32 weeks of pregnancy for optimal protection, but can be given later if missed.
Evidence from England shows that vaccination at the right time in pregnancy is highly effective, giving 91 per cent protection against infant death with whooping cough.
Dr Alasdair Wood, consultant in health protection and vaccine preventable disease lead at UKHSA South West, said: “We are delighted that we are seeing a steady increase in the number of women taking up the whooping cough vaccine.
“This is providing more and more protection to our youngest and most vulnerable residents across the South West.
“We want to ensure every expectant mother takes up the vaccine when offered in each pregnancy and understands that this vaccine is the best way to protect their baby during those crucial first weeks after birth.
“The vaccine is usually offered around the time of the 20-week scan, and is most effective at protecting your baby if you receive it before 32 weeks. But you can have it any time up until birth.
“If you are pregnant and approaching 20 weeks, and haven’t been offered the whooping cough vaccine, please speak to your midwife or GP today to find out how you can get yours.”