RSV vaccine cuts hospital risk for newborn babies, research shows

Newborn babies are 80% less likely to be hospitalised with a life-threatening virus if their mother has been vaccinated in pregnancy, new research has found.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies under six months old.

A RSV immunisation programme was launched last year for women over 28 weeks pregnant, with around half of those eligible taking up the jab.

Public Health Scotland said the programme resulted in 228 fewer babies under three months old being admitted to hospital with serious infection.

RSV usually only has mild symptoms, but it can lead to breathing problems in the most vulnerable infants.

The vaccine is offered to prevent babies contracting the virus in the first six months of their lives – the period when they’re most at risk of severe illness.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “RSV can be life-threatening for newborn infants, that is why it is so positive to see this evidence of the impact of the maternal RSV vaccine.

“I strongly encourage all pregnant women who are offered the vaccine to take up the offer in order to protect their newborn babies.”

The vaccine, which is also offered to elderly people, resulted in a 62% reduction in RSV-related hospitalisations among the eligible 75-79 age group.