New Nasal Spray Vaccine Could End Whooping Cough Spread

A novel nasal spray vaccine, BPZE1, is currently undergoing trials in the UK, offering a potential new weapon against the dangerous bacterial infection whooping cough. This innovative vaccine aims to prevent the transmission of the bacteria, a feat not achieved by the existing injectable vaccine offered to pregnant women. The current vaccine effectively transfers immunity to newborns, providing up to 91% protection against infant death, but does not halt the spread.

The new trial, backed by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, has shown promising results. It is the first time a whooping cough vaccine has demonstrated the ability to prevent the bacteria from colonizing the upper respiratory tract in humans. If further trials confirm these findings and the vaccine receives approval, it could significantly alter public health strategies against this highly infectious disease.

Whooping cough, also known as the "100-day cough," is exceptionally contagious and poses a significant risk to infants, leading to complications like pneumonia and breathing difficulties. While infection rates have decreased significantly this year compared to the record outbreak in 2024, the development of BPZE1 represents a major step towards potentially eradicating the disease globally.