The UK Department of Health and Social Care has today announced a new national vaccination campaign, ‘Stay Strong’. Get Vaccinated, to protect newborn babies.
This national campaign urges vaccination to protect newborns during the winter of 2025-2026.
Each year, some 600,000 women give birth in England. New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals hundreds of thousands of pregnant women missed vital vaccines last winter,
Expectant mothers are being urged to get vaccinated against flu, RSV, and whooping cough (pertussis).
For example, last year, about one-third of children in the UK were missing their whooping cough vaccination.
With 12 infant deaths from whooping cough since the beginning of 2024 and hundreds of babies hospitalised from vaccine-preventable illnesses, it is vital that pregnant women receive their vaccine at the right time – ideally between 20 and 32 weeks, writes the UKHSA.
Health Minister Ashley Dalton stated in a media release on September 22, 2025, “We urge expectant mothers to come forward for their flu, RSV, and whooping cough jabs – it’s one of the most powerful ways to protect your baby through those critical first months.”
“Winter is always tough for the NHS, but we are working hard to ramp up preparations so the health service is ready for patients when they need it.”
“Let’s work together to protect ourselves and ease pressure on our NHS – the single best way you can protect yourself and your family is by getting vaccinated.”
The second phase of the campaign, scheduled for October 2025, aims to encourage people with long-term health conditions to come forward for their flu vaccination.
Currently, those eligible should speak to their GP or practice nurse, or their local pharmacist, to book a vaccination appointment. For pregnant women, the vaccine may also be available through maternity services in the UK.
In the Americas, pertussis outbreaks have resurged.
While 4,139 cases were reported in 2023, the number soared to 43,751 in 2024.
And in 2025, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and the United States reported over 18,595 cases and 128 deaths.
In the U.S., preliminary data show that more than six times as many cases were reported in 2024 compared to 2023.
From a prevention perspective, women in the U.S. have various pertussis vaccination options. Vaccines are offered at clinics and pharmacies.