A new vaccine is being developed for whooping cough (Image: PA)

A new vaccine is being developed for whooping cough - an infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. There were around 15,000 cases reported in England in 2024, up from 856 the year before, and 11 babies died.

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

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 peo

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