Whooping Cough: Kent councils urge pregnant mums to get vaccination

Parents of new-born babies are also urged to get their children protected against the disease that is caused by a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes.

The councils say any mum’s who have not been vaccinated or if the child has missed theirs, they should contact their GP to organise this.

Anjan Ghosh, director of public health at KCC, said: “The disease can be life-threatening for young infants and it is important families come forward to get the protection they need.”

Medway Council’s acting director of public health David Whiting said “Vaccination is the best form of defence.

“We have to help keep our loved ones safe and healthy, and I would encourage parents and carers to make sure their children are up to date with all of their vaccinations, including whooping cough.”

Whooping cough is a cyclical disease that peaks every three to five years. The last cyclical increase occurred in 2016.