Five babies have died from whooping cough so far this year in England, with more than 2,800 cases reported – efforts need to be made to increase jab uptake among parents
Jabs are a life saver
Doctors are right to be alarmed by surging cases of whooping cough. In the first three months of this year five babies have died from the respiratory disease. The loss of any life is regrettable but it is all the more upsetting when those deaths might have been prevented.
The 2,800 cases of whooping cough in England this year represent the biggest outbreak in more than two decades. Health specialists put the rise down to a perfect storm of falling vaccination rates and weakened immunity caused by the lack of exposure during lockdown.
There is particular concern that fewer mothers-to-be are having jabs which can help protect babies. This has been accompanied by a fall in the number of children having the pre-school booster. In some places, more than a third of young people have not received the jab.
Every effort must be made to encourage parents to protect their children. Vaccinations can save their lives, and the lives of others.
Act for Gaza
The crisis in Gaza is growing more intolerable by the day. Aid agencies warn of an acute shortage of food and fuel for 1.5 million people sheltering in Rafah under constant shelling.
This dire situation could become apocalyptic if Israel proceeds with its planned ground offensive. Joe Biden is threatening to withdraw US military support if Benjamin Netanyahu presses ahead with the military operation.
For the sake of humanity, Britain must follow America’s lead. It is time to send a clear signal to Israel that its right to self-defence cannot include the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians.
Olding on
Sprightly Ivor Ward is still clocking on for factory shifts at 98. His idea of retirement is a work in progress…
