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A new nasal spray vaccine For whooping cough Scientists have announced that this could be the key to stopping the spread of the highly infectious and often deadly disease.
England has seen a significant increase, with almost 15,000 cases recorded in 2024 – a sharp increase from 856 last year.
despite existing NHS Vaccines for infants, children and pregnant women, a government-funded trial showed that BPZE1 nasal spray prevents whooping cough The bacteria that accumulate in the nose and throat are important to prevent the spread. It also triggered a strong immune response in both the nasal passages and blood, suggesting long-lasting protection.
Current vaccines do not provide lifelong protection and do not prevent people from carrying the bacteria or spreading it.
The trial is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which is funded by Department of Health and Social Care,
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said the test was “a major breakthrough in our fight” whooping cough,
“Unlike the existing vaccine for pregnant women, which protects babies in the womb and prevents nine out of 10 infant deaths, this new nasal spray vaccine works in a completely different way – by stopping bacteria from living in the nose and throat.
“This means it can cut transmission and provide long-lasting protection for everyone, not just newborns.
“This is a powerful demonstration of the UK’s world-class research sector, driving innovation to safeguard future generations.”
Professor Robert Reed, who led the study at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, said the vaccine “could be a huge step forward in stopping the spread of the disease”.
The CHAMPION-1 study for the vaccine developed by ILiAD Biotechnologies involved 53 adults and was published in The Lancet Microbe journal.
If the findings are confirmed in further trials and the new vaccine is approved, it could be given to adults or children.
The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a cold, but it progresses to coughing fits that may also include a “whoop” sound.
A cough can last for several weeks or months and parents are urged to make an urgent appointment if their child is under six months of age and has symptoms of whooping cough.
The pertussis vaccine is routinely given as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine regimen for young infants, with a pre-school booster also given at age three.
Pregnant women can get the vaccine when they are around 20 weeks pregnant.