A BABY whose mother was not vaccinated against whooping cough has died after contracting the infection.
The UK Health Security Agency said the tot, thought to be under the age of one, died between March and June.
It is the first whooping cough death in the UK this year and comes after a child died of measles in Liverpool last month.
The agency’s Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam said: “Sadly, we are again reminded how severe whooping cough can be for very young babies.
“Vaccination is the best defence.
“It is vital pregnant women and infants receive their vaccines at the right time, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.
“This passes protection to their baby in the womb so that they are protected from birth.”
Overall vaccination rates for primary school pupils are at the lowest for 15 years — with almost one in five not fully protected from diseases.
Over the coming weeks, millions of children will be flooding into classrooms across the UK.
And there’s a real risk they will return home with more than a few new friends and knowledge.
Pharmacist Thorrun Govind tells Sun on Sunday Health: “There’s often lots of hugging and playing between friends they haven’t seen all summer — and all that close contact means germs can easily spread.
“They also tend to cough and sneeze without covering their mouths and don’t always wash their hands without supervision.
“With early wake-ups, hard work in lessons and sports clubs, children can also get tired, which weakens their immune systems, leaving them prone to picking up illnesses.”
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