We are pleased to inform our patients that from September 2024, women can have a free vaccine in each pregnancy, to protect their babies against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The vaccine will be available for women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant, with the aim to protect infants against an RSV infection.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can cause a lung infection called bronchiolitis. In small babies, this condition can make it hard to breathe and to feed. Most cases can be managed at home but around 20,000 infants are admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis each year in England. Infants with severe bronchiolitis may need intensive care and the infection can be fatal. RSV is more likely to be serious in very young babies, those born prematurely, and those with conditions that affect their heart, breathing or immune system. RSV infections can occur all year round but cases peak every winter.
The vaccine boosts your immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus. These antibodies then pass through the placenta to help protect your baby from the day they are born. RSV vaccination reduces the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70% in the first 6 months of life.
The vaccine has been studied in clinical trials of almost 4,000 women and been given to many thousands of women in national programmes. Monitoring in the USA, where it has been given to over 100,000 women, has shown a good safety profile. The vaccine has been approved by medicines regulators in the UK, Europe and USA on the basis of protection, quality and safety.
Pregnant women under the care of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust can now book their RSV, flu and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccinations online. Click here to complete our self-referral form. Alternatively, they can contact their GP.