Doctors issue warning for mums as cases of whooping cough rise

09/08/2004 PA File photo of a nurse handling a syringe at a medical centre in Ashford, Kent, similar to those used for a combined jab for babies. The vaccination protects children against Diptheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Hib and Polio and is administered to babies over two-months-old later this year. See PA FAMILY Family Column. Picture credit to read: Gareth Fuller/PA Photos. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FAMILY Family Column. ENGSUS00320120123095607

NHS England have said the illness, which can create breathing difficulties in children, has increased by 25 per cent across the South is now posing a serious risk to babies.

The warning comes as 40 per cent of pregnant women have not been protected against the condition.

Dr Nigel Acheson, NHS England South Regional Medical Director said: ‘People often think of whooping cough as an illness from days gone by - but it is a real threat to babies and young children right now and can lead to pneumonia, brain damage and even death.

‘The number of incidents increased by 25 per cent across the South in 2015, but despite the risk, on average, just 60 per cent of women receive the vaccination, meaning they are putting their baby at risk.

‘As we are approaching the winter flu season, I also urge pregnant women to receive their free flu vaccination, which they can have at the same time as whooping cough.

‘This way, they will protect themselves and their baby from both potentially fatal illnesses.’

The vaccine is given at a GP practice or in maternity units at the point of the foetal abnormality scan, from 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Ideally it should be given before 32 weeks, but it can still be given right up to the point of labour, but with reduced effectiveness.

For more information on the condition visit: nhs.co.uk/conditions/whooping-cough/pages/introduction.aspx.