New RSV Vaccine Offered to Pregnant Women in England

The UK is set to launch a new RSV vaccination program for pregnant women starting September 1, aimed at preventing severe respiratory infections in infants. This initiative could reduce hospital admissions by 5,000 and emergency department visits by 15,000 each year, in addition to preventing over 200 infants from needing intensive care. RSV, which infects nearly 90% of children under two, can lead to severe conditions such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, making it a leading cause of infant mortality. Health officials, including Professor Dame Jenny Harries, emphasize the importance of maternal vaccination to protect newborns, especially during winter when RSV cases peak. Personal testimonies from affected parents underline the vaccine's potential to spare families from traumatic hospital experiences. The program also includes vaccinations for individuals aged 75 and over, broadening its protective scope against RSV.