Pregnancy vaccine reduces baby hospital admissions for RSV by 80%
Summary
A new vaccine given to pregnant women in the UK protects newborn babies from a lung infection caused by the RSV virus. The vaccine reduces hospital admissions of babies by around 80% when given at least four weeks before birth.Key Facts
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) causes serious chest infections in many babies under one year old.
- The vaccine has been offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy since 2024 in the UK.
- It helps the mother’s immune system make antibodies that pass to the baby before birth.
- A study of nearly 300,000 babies showed vaccinated mothers’ babies had much fewer hospital admissions for RSV.
- Protection is strongest if the vaccine is given at least four weeks before birth but still helpful if given later.
- About 64% of pregnant women in England are getting the RSV vaccine; in London, the rate is 53%.
- Adults aged 75 or older and those living in care homes in the UK are also offered the RSV vaccine.
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