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UK Launches 'Stay Strong. Get Vaccinated' Campaign Urging Pregnant Women to Get Flu, RSV and Whooping Cough Jabs

Officials point to low uptake last winter, with recent infant harms underscoring urgency.

Overview

  • Department of Health and Social Care began the national push on September 22 with support from UKHSA and NHS England across TV, radio, outdoor and digital channels.
  • Vaccinations are available now via GPs, community pharmacies and maternity services, with flu offered since early September, whooping cough from 20 weeks and RSV from 28 weeks.
  • UKHSA data show just 35% of pregnant women received a flu jab last winter, around half took up RSV vaccination, and whooping cough uptake was 66% (rising to 71% in early 2025).
  • Government figures cite 12 infant deaths from whooping cough since early 2024 and hundreds of hospitalisations from vaccine‑preventable illnesses.
  • A second campaign phase in October will encourage people with long‑term conditions to get a flu jab as the NHS conducts winter ‘stress test’ exercises and targets care for the most vulnerable.