RSV vaccine to be offered during pregnancy
From September, all patients who are pregnant will be given the choice to access a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine.
RSV is a common virus which can cause a lung infection called bronchiolitis. In small babies this condition can make it hard to breathe and feed. Whilst most cases can be managed at home, around 20,000 infants are admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis every year in England.
RSV is highly infectious and spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. The best way to protect your baby is to have the vaccine during pregnancy.
How does RSV protect my baby?
The vaccine boosts your immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus. These then pass through the placenta to help protect your baby from the day they’re born.
The vaccine reduces the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70% in the first 6 months of a baby’s life. After this age, babies are at a much lower risk of severe RSV.
If you are feeling anxious, NHS England have provided further information on the RSV vaccine including the safety of receiving the vaccine during pregnancy.
Infants under 12 months are more likely to be seriously unwell if they catch RSV. It's great news that for the first time we can offer patients who are at least 28 weeks pregnant a vaccine to protect their babies from getting RSV. - Dr Ian Basnett, Public Health Director
When will I be offered the vaccine?
You will be offered the vaccine around your 28 week antenatal appointment. If you haven’t been offered it at this stage, you can contact your maternity team, antenatal clinic, or GP for an appointment.
If you are still unsure about being vaccinated at this stage, or it isn’t possible to receive it earlier, you can receive it right up until your baby is born.
Speaking of the introduction of the vaccine, Shereen Nimmo, group director of midwifery said:
“I am delighted that we are now able to offer patients the choice of an additional vaccine during pregnancy to protect their baby from RSV. Some babies can get very sick from RSV and may need hospital treatment for breathing problems. By offering this vaccine, we can help keep our communities healthy and prevent them from needing hospital treatment.”