An emergency vaccination programme aimed at stopping deaths of babies from whooping cough is set to be extended for five years, it was announced yesterday.
The programme was launched in the autumn of 2012 when an outbreak led to the deaths of 14 infants from the disease.
Last year another eight deaths were reported – but 60% of pregnant women received the vaccine.
And British health experts yesterday reported an analysis suggesting that the vaccine cut the risk of a baby contracting whooping cough after birth by 91%.
Yesterday the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation issued advice to the Department of Health to continue the programme for five years.
Deputy chief medical officer Professor John Watson said: "Babies too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk from whooping cough. It’s an extremely distressing illness that can lead to young babies being admitted to hospital and can potentially be fatal.
"The joint committee’s advice will be welcomed by families and we will work with NHS England to ensure the programme continues to be offered to mums-to-be."
Dr Mary Ramsay, from Public Health England, said: "Although we have also seen a decline in cases in older children and adults from the peak in 2012 the numbers still remain considerably higher than those in 2011, suggesting the infection has not fallen to background levels.
"Today, we urge pregnant women to ensure they are vaccinated between 28 and 32 weeks of their pregnancy wherever possible, although vaccination may be given up to 38 weeks.
"We are also working with GPs, midwives and other health professionals to ensure they have the facts at hand, including the latest evidence from the PHE and MHRA studies, to help women take up this highly effective and safe vaccine."
Findings from the programme were reported in The Lancet Infectious Diseases and The BMJ yesterday. The analyses were conducted by Public Health England and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
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