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2w ago

Maternal RSV Vaccine Cuts Infant Hospitalisations by 72%, UK Study Finds

Recent data from England and Scotland show that maternal vaccination more than 14 days before birth reduces infant RSV hospitalisations by 72%.

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Overview

  • A study of 537 infants hospitalised with severe respiratory disease in winter 2024–25 found a 72% reduction in RSV admissions when mothers were vaccinated at least 14 days before delivery compared with 58% protection at any time in pregnancy.
  • Researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh and Leicester reported their findings in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health after analysing data from 30 hospitals across England and Scotland.
  • Antibodies generated by the maternal RSV vaccine cross the placenta and provide infants with protection against severe RSV infection for up to six months after birth.
  • Despite high effectiveness, only around half of eligible pregnant women are receiving the vaccine, which the NHS offers from 28 weeks of gestation.
  • The NHS is expanding access to the RSV jab for pregnant women and adults aged 75–79 as part of its broader multi-modal RSV prevention strategy under the NHS 10-Year Plan.