Hampshire Hospitals' maternity team has exceeded its target for administering whooping cough vaccinations.

More than 1,120 were given in the first six months, more than double the expected figure.

The vaccination is given to pregnant women to protect against newborn whooping cough (pertussis).

It is usually administered at around the 20-week mark, although expectant mothers can receive it up to birth.

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Immunity from the vaccination passes to babies through the placenta, providing passive protection against whooping cough until they are eight-weeks-old, at which point newborns are routinely vaccinated against the potentially dangerous infection.

Wendy Randall, Hampshire Hospitals’ director of midwifery, said: "As well as providing care, our community midwives work extremely hard at increasing understanding around protecting newborn health and the importance of vaccinations such as pertussis.

"Whooping cough is a highly infectious condition that has been rising in recent years.

"We know there is a lot for expectant mothers to consider but this vaccination – along with the flu jab – provides valuable protection and assistance in slowing infection rates."

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All pregnant women are also offered the RSV vaccination from 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects an estimated 90 per cent of children within their first two years of life.

It accounts for 33,500 hospitalisations annually in children aged under five-years-old, causing severe breathing difficulties which can be fatal.

Wendy added: "With RSV peaking over the winter season we would encourage all eligible women to attend your appointment and have the vaccination, and in doing so provide the best protection to your baby."