New vaccine could help ‘eradicate’ common virus that killed 11 babies last year

A NEW jab being developed for a common virus that killed 11 babies last year could offer better protection and stop the bug spreading, scientists say.

Whooping cough, also known as the ‘100 day cough’ because of how long it can take to recover, can be deadly and spreads very easily between people.

It poses a particular worry for the elderly, people with a compromised immune system and babies.

There were around 15,000 cases reported in England in 2024, compared with 856 in 2023, and 11 babies died as a result of the infection.

At present, babies, children and pregnant women are all offered a vaccine on the NHS to protect against the illness, clinically known as pertussis.

But now, a new Government-funded clinical trial has found a new nasal spray vaccine can stop whooping cough bacteria from living in the nose and throat, which is vital for stopping the spread of infection.

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Known as BPZE1, it triggered strong immune responses in both the nose and the blood, suggesting long-lasting protection.

Current vaccines do not provide lifelong protection and do not stop people from carrying and spreading the bacteria.

The trial is backed by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Public health minister Ashley Dalton said: “This Government-supported trial marks a major breakthrough in our fight against 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 the bacteria from living in the nose and throat.

“That means it could cut transmission and offer longer-lasting protection for everyone, not just newborns.

“It’s a powerful showcase of the UK’s world-class research sector driving innovation to protect future generations.”

Professor Robert Read, who led the study at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, said the vaccine “could represent a big step forward in stopping the spread of the disease”.

The Champion-1 study for the vaccine, developed by ILiAD Biotechnologies, included 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.

Symptom stages

Pertussis is a fast-spreading bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes.

Dr Simon Theobalds, a GP from Manchester, said: “Most viral infections [like whooping cough] last one to two weeks, but for some people it may be longer.

“There are various reasons for this, including the different levels of immunity against infections.”

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the notoriously long illness progresses through three stages.

The symptoms usually start five to 10 days after you catch the bug.

At first, symptoms are often similar to the common cold, but after about a week, patients will get coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at night.

Young babies may also make a distinctive “whoop” or have difficulty breathing.

The cough can bring up thick mucus, which can cause people to be sick.

Young children or babies might turn blue or grey because of difficulty breathing, while adults might become red in the face.

If you or your child’s lips, tongue, face, or skin suddenly turns blue or grey, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

The condition spreads very easily and can sometimes cause serious problems, including rib fractures, pneumonia and seizures.

By week eight, the violent cough will usually have developed into something milder.

But for some, it can last several months, so it is often dubbed the ‘100-day cough’.

“If symptoms persist or worsen and you feel more unwell or have high fevers, we recommend a GP appointment to have a full assessment and rule out more serious conditions such as pneumonia or sepsis,” Dr Simon added.

Ask for an urgent appointment or call NHS 111 if:

• Your cough is very bad or gets worse very quickly
• You feel very unwell
• You have chest pain
• The side of your neck feels swollen or painful
• You find it difficult to breathe
• You cough up blood

If you do have whooping cough, antibiotics can help – but only if you start taking them within three weeks of your symptoms starting, the NHS says.