Newborn succumbs to pertussis as expecting mother opted against vaccination during pregnancy
A new chickenpox vaccine has been announced this week, with ministers hoping it will protect some youngsters from severe complications from the virus. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the rollout of the new vaccine on the NHS in England will commence from January 2026.
The announcement comes after a tragic incident in which a baby under the age of one died from whooping cough, also known as pertussis, in the UK earlier this year. This is the first confirmed case of whooping cough in the country in 2025.
Chickenpox is a common childhood illness and is usually mild. However, whooping cough can be severe for very young babies, making vaccination crucial. The new chickenpox vaccine will form part of a new combined immunisation on the childhood vaccination program.
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam of the UKHSA expressed condolences to the family of the deceased baby, emphasising the importance of vaccination to protect children from such tragedies.
Health minister Stephen Kinnock argues it is "common sense" for parents to vaccinate their children. However, he acknowledges that there is a rise in "vaccine hesitancy" following the Covid pandemic. To combat this, Mr Kinnock is working with GPs, schools, and public health authorities to create local and national campaigns to increase take-up.
The news of the new vaccine comes as data shows that almost one in five children starting primary school in England are not fully protected from diseases like whooping cough, tetanus, polio, and diphtheria. This is the lowest vaccination rate for primary school children in 15 years.
The cost of the new chickenpox vaccine is around £150 at private clinics and pharmacies. However, the rollout on the NHS means that it will be accessible to all children in England, regardless of their financial situation.
The search results do not provide information on who took responsibility in England in 2025 for introducing the new chickenpox vaccine. Nonetheless, the announcement marks a significant step forward in protecting children from the complications of chickenpox and whooping cough.
In conclusion, the introduction of the new chickenpox vaccine in England is a positive development in public health. It is crucial that parents take advantage of this opportunity to protect their children from these potentially dangerous diseases.
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