Addressing the increase in whooping cough in EU/EEA countries

From 2023 to April 2024, EU/EEA countries recorded around 60,000 cases of whooping cough, a significant increase compared to previous years. Whooping cough continues to pose a public health challenge, with infants under six months considered particularly vulnerable. Health authorities are encouraged to strengthen vaccination programs and to ensure broad and timely vaccination coverage, including maternal immunization during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The increase in cases of whooping cough could be attributed to several factors, including the decrease in immunity and the lack of updated vaccinations, accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to protect infants and ensure adequate vaccination coverage to prevent the spread of the disease.