Recent increase in infant pertussis cases in Europe and the critical importance of antenatal immunizations: We must do better…now

•Pertussis remains endemic globally, with peaks occurring every three to five years.•Uptake of maternal pertussis immunization has declined in several countries.•As severe pertussis cases rise in infants globally, clear messaging is vital.•Open discussions should address concerns of vaccine-hesitant pregnant women.•Pregnant women access immunization through primary care and/or maternity services. Recent months have seen an increase in pertussis cases in several countries across the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The lack of immune stimulation during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the reduced circulation of Bordetella pertussis, the pathogen responsible for pertussis, is likely to have led to increased population susceptibility which has been magnified the typical three to five yearly cyclical peaks in activity. Maternal immunization for pertussis proves highly effective in protecting infants under three months of age. It's also critical for immunizers and parents to maintain high and timely immunization uptake to ensure infants receive maximum early protection when they are most at risk of severe disease.