A new study by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), involving nearly 300,000 infants born in England from September 2024 to March 2025, indicates that the vaccine reduces hospital admissions due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by over 80%. If pregnant women receive the vaccine at least four weeks before giving birth, its effectiveness reaches nearly 85%. Even vaccination about two weeks before birth provides partial protection, with a longer interval between vaccination and birth leading to better protection for the infant.

In the UK, the RSV vaccine for pregnant women was introduced in 2024. Expectant mothers are advised to get vaccinated from week 28 of their pregnancy to provide immunity to their infants during the earliest stages of life, when they are most vulnerable to RSV. The vaccine's implementation follows previous clinical trials, which demonstrated that vaccination during pregnancy can boost maternal immunity sufficiently to transfer protective antibodies to the baby.

Pregnant women undergo health checks and prepare for vaccination. Illustration: Vecteezy

RSV is a very common virus among young children; one-half of infants may contract it in their first year of life. Most cases present as mild colds, but some can develop into severe chest infections, such as pneumonia, causing infants to struggle for breath and making feeding very difficult. Each year, over 20,000 infants are hospitalized in the UK due to RSV, and some cases unfortunately result in fatalities.

Doctor Conall Watson, who leads the national RSV program at UKHSA, notes that in severe infections, parents can clearly see their infant's chest and lungs working hard to draw enough oxygen into the body. He stressed that this is a terrifying experience for families.

According to Doctor Watson, the vaccine can make a significant difference in keeping infants safe. UK health officials encourage pregnant women to speak with their midwife or healthcare professional about getting vaccinated at week 28 of pregnancy, or as early as possible in the third trimester if they missed the scheduled timing.

The latest data reveals that about 64% of pregnant women in the UK have received the RSV vaccine, although this rate is only 53% in London. In addition to the RSV vaccine, pregnant women are also recommended to receive flu and whooping cough vaccinations. Furthermore, the RSV vaccine is also indicated for individuals 75 years or older or those residing in elderly care facilities.

Van Ha (According to BBC)