The NHS’s top midwife is urging eligible pregnant women from 28 weeks to speak to their maternity services provider about getting vaccinated against RSV ahead of winter.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of infant mortality around the world and a main cause of child hospitalisations every year.
Almost 7,000 bed days were taken up by children with RSV last winter in England (6,815 from 25 November 2024 – 30 March 2025).
Based on data from the Australian winter, it’s predicted that England could see a very high number of RSV cases this year.
Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England says:
“Getting vaccinated while pregnant is the best way to protect your baby from the moment they are born, and now is the time for mums to act, to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, when there tends to be more bugs circulating.”
The RSV vaccine was offered to pregnant women in England for the first time last September and has now helped to protect more than 300,000 mothers and babies.
Pregnant mums from 28 weeks onwards can access the RSV jab through their maternity services or via their local GP practice.
Vaccinations to protect against flu and whooping cough are also recommended to women during pregnancy, offering further protection.
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