The NHS has started vaccinating people against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), for the first time in its history.

RSV, a leading cause of infant mortality around the world, is a common cause of coughs and colds but can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, which are highly dangerous to older people and young children.

As part of its winter preparations, the NHS in the South East of England is now offering the vaccination to pregnant women and older adults, including those turning 75 on or after 1 September.

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.

Staff from vaccination and maternity teams across the region have worked to bring together services so that it is as easy as possible for pregnant women to get the life-saving jab at any point from 28 weeks into their pregnancy, alongside their maternity care.

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.

Research from the thousands of women across the world who have been vaccinated against RSV shows that it reduces the risk of severe lung infection by around 70% in the first six months of life, with NHS teams across the South East gearing up to roll out the jabs all year round as of this week.

Having the vaccine during pregnancy is the best way to protect a baby from getting seriously ill with RSV, as the vaccine boosts the mother’s immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus to help protect the baby from the day they are born.

The NHS is also kicking off vaccination programmes for other viruses which cause the most harm during winter, including flu and COVID-19, as it sets out plans for protection of people who are at greatest risk ahead of winter.

Flu vaccinations will be offered to pregnant women and most children from this month, and they will also be offered to others eligible alongside the COVID-19 vaccine from 3 October.

The RSV virus is a main cause of winter pressures in children’s hospitals every year, leading to increased pressure on paediatric intensive care units.

RSV cases in children have been increasing in the past couple of years, with an average of 146 young children in hospital each day at the peak in winter last year (w/e 3 December 2023), up 11% on the peak observed during the previous winter (132) from the same time in late November.

Based on a recent study in the Lancet, the new programme could prevent 752 hospital admissions and 2256 A&E attendances for infants in the region each year – a critical, life-saving step forward to help front line staff prepare for increased winter pressures.

The same modelling suggests that the first season of the older adult’s catch-up programme could prevent around 450 hospital admissions and 2,835 GP visits in adults in the older age group in region.

Kaye Wilson, Chief Midwife for NHS South East, said: “After months of preparation from our hardworking staff, for the first time ever we are now offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults at greatest risk – helping to protect the lives of those vulnerable and ease pressures across the NHS as winter approaches.

“Many people are still unaware of this virus, which can sometimes lead to severe lung infections such as pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis. It is also a leading cause of infant mortality worldwide. The vaccine can reduce the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70% in the first six months of life.

“Receiving the vaccine during every pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby against RSV. The vaccine enhances your immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus, which then pass through the placenta to help protect your baby from birth.

“I would encourage you to get the RSV vaccine at your 28-week antenatal appointment or speak to your maternity team.”