Pregnant women in England are being urged to get vaccinated against whooping cough following a surge in reported cases of the bacterial illness. Kent County Council (KCC) and Medway Council are supporting the advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS for all pregnant women to receive the whooping cough vaccine after 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, poses a significant risk to newborn babies and can be life-threatening. With cases on the rise across England, infants who are too young to begin their vaccinations are particularly vulnerable.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, there were 168 suspected cases reported in south east England in the week-ending 9 June, with significant numbers in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. The disease, which spreads easily, can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and seizures, and in rare instances, it can be fatal.

Parents of newborns are also being advised to ensure their children are protected against whooping cough, caused by a bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. Those who have not been vaccinated or whose children have missed their vaccinations are encouraged to contact their GP to arrange for the necessary protection.

Anjan Ghosh, director of public health at KCC, emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, \