RSV vaccine uptake among pregnant women in the South West continues to increase

The South West is leading the country in protecting newborns from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), with new data showing the region has the highest maternal RSV vaccine uptake of any NHS commissioning region in England.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows that 68.7% of pregnant women who gave birth in September 2025 in the South West had received the RSV vaccine, the highest of any region in England and well above the national average of 59.9%. In October 2025, uptake in the South West increased to 73.0%, compared to a national average of 63.6%.

The RSV maternal vaccine is offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks. When a mother is vaccinated, antibodies pass through the placenta, protecting the baby from birth, the period when they are most vulnerable to the virus.

RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations of children under five and tragically causes 20 to 30 infant deaths in the UK every year. Despite infecting around 90% of children within the first two years of life, RSV remains poorly understood by many parents. It typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can lead to severe lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis and is a leading cause of infant mortality globally.

Dr. Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection and Vaccine Preventable Disease Lead at UKHSA South West, said:

"It is genuinely encouraging to see the South West leading on RSV vaccination uptake, with nearly three-quarters of pregnant women in our region now getting vaccinated, the highest rate in England. This reflects the effort of maternity services, GP practices and NHS colleagues across the region in making the vaccine accessible and ensuring women understand the vital protection it provides.

"RSV can be a serious and distressing illness for newborns, and by getting vaccinated during pregnancy, women in the South West are giving their babies the best possible protection from the moment they are born. The antibodies passed through the placenta mean babies arrive in the world already shielded against a virus that sends thousands of infants to the hospital every year.

"While the progress here in the South West is something to be proud of, we know there is still more to do. If you are pregnant and approaching 28 weeks, please do not put it off; contact your GP or maternity service today to arrange your RSV vaccination. It is one of the most important things you can do to protect your baby's health."

Julie Frier, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisations Lead at NHS England South West, said:

“The RSV vaccine is the most effective way to protect your baby against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is highly infectious. RSV can cause serious illnesses such as bronchiolitis, and in some cases can be life threatening.

“The RSV vaccine boosts your immune system and helps to protect your baby from the day they are born. You will be offered the vaccine from 28 weeks of pregnancy, and just one dose is needed. I would strongly advise anyone who is eligible for their RSV vaccine to speak with their GP practice or midwife and take up the offer as soon as possible.”

Pregnant women should be offered their RSV vaccine around the time of their 28-week antenatal appointment. Anyone who has not yet been contacted should get in touch with their maternity service or GP practice to make an appointment.