Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, continues to pose a significant threat to public health, particularly impacting infants and children with its devastating effects. The current outbreak has reignited concerns about the resurgence of this highly contagious disease and the importance of vaccination in preventing its spread. Indeed, at the time of writing, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA, 2024a) data showed that in the first quarter of 2024 there were 2793 cases of whooping cough in England, three times as many cases than in the whole of 2023, with the very sad deaths of five infants. This article delves into the history of whooping cough, exploring its origins, transmission dynamics, and the evolution of vaccination programmes. By examining past outbreaks and vaccination strategies, this article aims to understand the challenges posed by pertussis and the critical role that vaccination plays in controlling its spread. From the introduction of whole-cell pertussis vaccines in the 1950s to the development of acellular vaccines in the 1980s, the article traces the progress of vaccination efforts and their impact on disease control. Through an analysis of current outbreak data and vaccination trends, it assesses the effectiveness of existing vaccination programmes and explores strategies for enhancing vaccine coverage to mitigate the resurgence of whooping cough outbreaks.