WHOOPING cough is a serious bacterial infection affecting the lungs, which can be particularly dangerous to babies.

Thirty-three babies have died of the illness in the UK between 2013 and June 2025, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

One of these deaths was reported at the end of last month, in a baby whose mum wasn't vaccinated against whooping cough.

The tot was the first baby to die of whooping cough in the UK this year, UKHSA said.

Vaccination for pertussis - as the illness is also known - is given to babies as part of the 'six-in-one' jab at eight, 12, and 16 weeks.

But mums-to-be can also get vaccinated against whooping cough, to pass on protection to their babies until they can receive the jab.

The programme was first rolled out in October 2012.

Of the

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