The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, which is being rolled out this week across the capital, could prevent an estimate of around 900 babies being admitted to hospitals in London every year.

RSV is highly contagious and while it causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most cases, it can be serious and even life-threatening to babies, older people and those with a weakened immune system.

The RSV vaccine will be offered to pregnant women at 28 weeks, and older adults, including those turning 75 from today. There will also be a one-off ‘catch-up’ offer for everyone aged 75 to 79 years old to ensure the older age group are protected as the winter months approach.

A recent detailed analysis looking at data from England and Wales, which if apportioned to the population of London, indicates that the vaccine could prevent around 3,600 GP consultations, plus an estimate of around 2,700 emergency department attendances every year, and around 12,600 fewer cases of RSV in children under a year old in London.

The NHS in London is encouraging as many pregnant women as possible to get the vaccine.  It is estimated that if around 60% get the RSV jab it could prevent nearly 40 children being admitted to intensive care units at London hospitals this winter.  RSV illness is the main cause of winter pressures in children’s hospitals each year – leading to pressure on paediatric intensive care units and cancelled operations.

Dr Julie Hammond is receiving her maternity care at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. She plans to get the RSV vaccine as part of her care when she is eligible.

“As a GP I have seen mothers and parents whose child has had RSV and ended up in hospital. I have also worked on paediatric wards and in A&E, and I have seen babies brought in, acutely unwell, with some of them having to go to intensive care because of how poorly they become from this infection.

“The RSV vaccine is the safest way to protect you and your baby against the virus. It has an excellent safety profile and is a highly effective treatment against RSV. It has been rigorously tested and approved by medicine regulators in the UK, Europe and the USA. Many thousands of women have had the vaccine in other countries, including more than 100,000 women in the USA.

“I have seen the impact RSV can have on the infant and their parents, and I am not willing to take that risk with my baby. I will be having the RSV vaccination, and I would strongly advise my patients, and other pregnant women, to do the same.”

Chief Nurse for the NHS in London, Jane Clegg, said:

“We’re encouraging everyone who is eligible, to get the RSV vaccine this autumn. RSV is very common, with around nine out of every ten children getting the infection before they are two years old.

“Many people are still not aware of this virus, which in some cases can lead to severe lung infections, like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, and is a leading cause of infant mortality globally. The vaccine reduces the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70% in the first six months of life.

“Having the vaccine during every pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby against RSV, as the vaccine boosts your immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus, and these then pass through the placenta to help protect your baby from the day they are born.

“I urge you to have the RSV vaccine at your 28 weeks antenatal appointment or speak to your maternity team.”

While RSV infections can occur all year round, cases usually peak every winter around December, so it’s important that those eligible take up the offer as soon as possible when invited by the NHS from 1 September. Women should speak to their maternity service about receiving their vaccine from 28 weeks to at any point up to birth.

Alternatively, pregnant women can get vaccinated by request at their local GP practice, while older adults will be invited by their local GP practice.

Note to editors

Dr Julie Hammond is available for interviews please email london.commsteam@nhs.net