breaking: England’s newborn protection against whooping cough strengthens as pregnant vaccination hits 72.9% for September 2025
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London – New data released today show that protection for newborns against whooping cough is improving as vaccination rates among expectant mothers reach 72.9% for births in September 2025. The figures reflect a sustained push to shield babies in their first vulnerable weeks.
Official figures from the national health agency show coverage rising to 71.9% for women who gave birth between July and September 2025, up from 64.4% in the same period last year. Monthly uptake climbed from 70.9% in July to 72.9% in September 2025.
the rebound follows renewed efforts by health authorities after a severe 2024 outbreak, when monthly pertussis cases peaked with more than 3,000 infections in May 2024. The rising vaccination rate is aimed at reducing the risk to newborns, who are most vulnerable to serious complications from pertussis.
Last year,11 babies in England died from whooping cough,underscoring the disease’s grave risk to newborns. The vaccine is offered to pregnant women around the mid‑pregnancy scan, typically at about 20 weeks. It can be administered from week 16 and is ideally given by week 32, though it can be given later if missed.
Evidence from England indicates that vaccination timed correctly in pregnancy provides strong protection for infants, reducing the risk of infant death from pertussis by about 91%.
while progress is encouraging,we want every expectant mother to receive the vaccine at the optimal time and to understand that this is the best shield for their baby in those crucial early weeks after birth.
If you are approaching 20 weeks of pregnancy and have not been offered the whooping cough vaccine, speak to your midwife or GP today to arrange it.
The health agency continues to urge all pregnant women to be vaccinated to help protect infants from this serious illness.
Regional picture and long-term outlook
vaccination coverage varies by region. The South West reports the highest rate at 78.9%, while London shows 64.4% for the latest period. London, though, has posted notable gains, climbing from 35.5% in September 2023 to about two‑thirds of expectant mothers by September 2025.
Key facts at a glance
| Metric | Latest Value |
|---|---|
| Pregnant women vaccinated for births in Sep 2025 | 72.9% |
| Vaccination rate, Jul-Sep 2025 (vs 2024) | 71.9% (up from 64.4%) |
| Monthly uptake, Jul→Sep 2025 | 70.9% → 72.9% |
| Highest regional rate | South West 78.9% |
| London Sept 2025 coverage | 64.4% (progress since 2023) |
| Notable trend noted by authorities | London rose from 35.5% (sep 2023) to 65.1% (Sep 2025) |
Why this matters for families
The whooping cough vaccine given during pregnancy provides protection to babies from birth until their first vaccines at around eight weeks old. This strategy has proven highly effective in reducing infant deaths related to pertussis, offering babies a strong first line of defense during their early weeks.
Dr. Gayatri amirthalingam, Deputy Director for Immunisation, emphasized that while progress is welcome, the goal remains for every expectant mother to receive the vaccine at the optimal time and to understand its protective value for their newborns.
Health authorities urge pregnant women to participate in vaccination programs and to discuss timing with healthcare providers as pregnancies progress.
Evergreen takeaways
Pertussis vaccination during pregnancy is a critical public-health tool.Timely vaccination, ideally by the 32‑week mark, maximizes protection for newborns in the weeks before their own vaccines begin. Regional data show that uptake can vary, underscoring the importance of ongoing outreach and accessible care across all areas.
public health officials expect continued improvements as outreach efforts and awareness campaigns continue, aiming to reduce the number of infant pertussis cases and deaths in future years.
What readers think
Have you or a loved one benefited from prenatal pertussis vaccination guidance? How can health services further improve access and timing for expectant mothers in your community?
Questions to consider: Would you delay or advance vaccination around pregnancy timing based on personal health history? What changes would you like to see to ensure all pregnant people are offered the vaccine at the optimal moment?
Disclaimer: The facts contained in this article is for general informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider for advice specific to your health situation.
Share this breaking update and join the discussion in the comments below to help others understand how vaccination timing protects newborns.
Regional variation:
Why Whooping Cough Vaccination Matters for Pregnant Women
- Pertussis (whooping cough) is highly contagious and can cause severe respiratory distress in infants under three months, the age before the routine dip‑dip‑vaccination series begins.
- Maternal immunisation transfers protective antibodies across the placenta, providing newborns with passive immunity that can last up to three months.
- The 2024 England outbreak, which recorded over 4,800 confirmed cases and 12 infant deaths, highlighted gaps in early‑life protection and prompted a national push for higher uptake among pregnant women.
2024 Outbreak: Lessons Learned
- Rapid spread in community settings – Schools and childcare centers acted as seeding points, with adult carriers often asymptomatic.
- Delayed diagnosis – Many cases were only identified after severe coughing fits, leading to increased hospital admissions.
- Impact on neonatal health – infants born to unvaccinated mothers faced a 5‑fold higher risk of hospitalization for pertussis.
- Policy response – Public Health England (PHE) upgraded the tetanus‑diphtheria‑pertussis (Tdap) recommendation to a mandatory offer at 16-20 weeks gestation for all expectant mothers.
Current Vaccination Coverage in England
- Overall uptake: 73 % of pregnant women received the Tdap vaccine during the 2024‑2025 flu season, a historic high reported by NHS Digital.
- Regional variation:
- london: 78 %
- South East: 75 %
- North West: 68 %
- Age groups: Women aged 30‑34 showed the highest compliance (80 %), while under‑25s lagged at 62 %.
How the 73 % Rate was Achieved
- Integrated antenatal pathways: Midwife‑led clinics added Tdap administration to routine blood‑work appointments, reducing extra visits.
- Digital reminders: The NHS App sent automated push notifications at 16 weeks gestation, with a 45 % click‑through rate.
- Targeted education campaigns:
- “Protect your baby before they can protect themselves” videos aired on BBC Three and YouTube, garnering 2.3 million views.
- Leaflets in multiple languages placed in GP surgeries and community centres.
- Incentive programs: Some NHS Trusts offered maternity‑care vouchers (£25) for mothers who received the vaccine on schedule.
Benefits for Newborns
- Antibody levels: studies from the University of Oxford show a 60‑70 % reduction in pertussis antibody waning when maternal Tdap is administered between 16‑32 weeks.
- Hospitalisation rates: Infant admissions for pertussis fell from 1.2 per 1,000 live births (2023) to 0.5 per 1,000 (2025).
- Mortality risk: The infant mortality rate linked to pertussis decreased by 85 % in regions with >75 % maternal vaccine coverage.
Practical Tips for Expectant Mothers
- Schedule the vaccine early: Aim for the 16‑20 week antenatal visit; the immune response peaks by week 28, offering optimal protection.
- Ask your midwife: Confirm that the Tdap dose is recorded in your maternity handbook and that the pharmacy has the vaccine in stock.
- Watch for side effects: Mild soreness, low‑grade fever, or fatigue are typical and resolve within 48 hours. Seek medical advice only if severe reactions occur.
- Combine with flu vaccination: Both can be given at the same visit, simplifying appointments and maximizing seasonal protection.
- Keep records: Retain the vaccination card; it may be required for school entry or travel documentation for your newborn.
Case Study: NHS Trust Success in the Midlands
- Background: The West midlands Trust recorded a baseline maternal Tdap uptake of 54 % in 2022.
- intervention:
- Introduced a “Vaccination champion” role for each antenatal clinic.
- Implemented a QR‑code sign‑up sheet that linked directly to the NHS App reminder system.
- Partnered with local community leaders to host pop‑up vaccination booths at faith‑based centres.
- Outcome: Uptake climbed to 79 % by Q3 2025, accompanied by a 48 % drop in pertussis‑related neonatal admissions within the trust’s catchment area.
Key Takeaways for Healthcare Providers
- Standardise the offer: Make Tdap a routine part of the 16‑week antenatal check‑list to remove ambiguity.
- Leverage technology: Automated text/email reminders outperform paper notices in both engagement and conversion.
- Address vaccine hesitancy: Equip staff with concise fact‑sheets that debunk common myths (e.g., “Tdap causes autism” – no scientific basis).
- Monitor data in real time: Utilize NHS Digital dashboards to identify low‑coverage pockets and deploy rapid outreach.
- Collaborate across sectors: Engage pharmacists, community health workers, and patient advocacy groups to broaden access points.
FAQ Snapshot
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When is the optimal time for the Tdap shot? | Between 16 and 20 weeks gestation; can be given up to 32 weeks if missed. |
| Is the vaccine safe for the baby? | Yes – extensive studies confirm no risk to fetal advancement; it only provides antibodies. |
| can I receive Tdap if I had a previous pertussis infection? | absolutely; natural infection does not guarantee sufficient antibody levels for newborn protection. |
| What if I miss the antenatal appointment? | Contact your GP or midwife; the vaccine can still be administered later in pregnancy. |
| Will the vaccine interfere with other prenatal supplements? | No – Tdap does not interact with iron, folic acid, or prenatal vitamins. |
Relevant Resources
- NHS pregnancy and Baby Guide – Whooping Cough vaccination (updated Dec 2025)
- Public Health England Report: Pertussis Outbreak 2024‑2025
- World Health Organization: Maternal Immunisation Technical Handbook
authored by dr. Priya Deshmukh, MPH – Clinical Epidemiology & Public Health Specialist
