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28/09/2012
Pregnant Women To Be Offered Whooping Cough Vaccine
A new whooping cough vaccine is to be offered to pregnant women across the UK, in an effort to protect babies from an escalating outbreak of the disease.
It is known that very young babies are at the greatest risk of serious complications. Ten have died in the UK so far this year.
The injection, available from Monday, should boost a mother's defences, which are then passed onto the baby.
Health officials say there are no safety concerns about the vaccine.
There are surges in whooping cough cases every three to four years and the latest outbreak started at the end of 2011. It is already the worst for more than a decade.
Prof David Salisbury, the director of immunisation at the Department of Health, said: "We're boosting the mother to protect the baby. We can't protect babies until they are eight weeks, but their mothers can."
(H)
It is known that very young babies are at the greatest risk of serious complications. Ten have died in the UK so far this year.
The injection, available from Monday, should boost a mother's defences, which are then passed onto the baby.
Health officials say there are no safety concerns about the vaccine.
There are surges in whooping cough cases every three to four years and the latest outbreak started at the end of 2011. It is already the worst for more than a decade.
Prof David Salisbury, the director of immunisation at the Department of Health, said: "We're boosting the mother to protect the baby. We can't protect babies until they are eight weeks, but their mothers can."
(H)
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21 December 2012
Whooping Cough Cases 'High'
Figures published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that cases of whooping cough have continued at high levels. In November there was 1,080 confirmed cases reported for England and Wales, bringing the total number of cases so far this year to 8,819. No deaths were reported in November.
Whooping Cough Cases 'High'
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01 February 2013
January Sees Further Fall In Whooping Cough Cases
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January Sees Further Fall In Whooping Cough Cases
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Whooping cough 'endemic' among school children
Nearly 40% of school age children in the UK who visit their doctor with a persistent cough have evidence of whooping cough infection, even though they have been fully immunised, a study has claimed.
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27 July 2012
Whooping Cough Outbreak Spreading To Infants
An outbreak of whooping cough across England and Wales has spread to very young babies who are most at risk of severe complications and death, the Health Protection Agency has warned. There were another 675 cases in June bringing the total to 2,466 for 2012 so far. This compares to just 311 cases at this stage last year.
Whooping Cough Outbreak Spreading To Infants
An outbreak of whooping cough across England and Wales has spread to very young babies who are most at risk of severe complications and death, the Health Protection Agency has warned. There were another 675 cases in June bringing the total to 2,466 for 2012 so far. This compares to just 311 cases at this stage last year.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
