NHS vaccination programmes against respiratory syncytial virus introduced

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) campaigned for the Government to implement an immunisation programme for a common but sometimes fatal respiratory virus ahead of next winter.

Evidence shows that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a complex and common viral infection that causes respiratory tract infection, with most infants having been infected by their second birthday. The RSV epidemic peaks in December, when the health service is already at capacity, and is responsible for around 33,000 NHS hospitalisations of under fives annually and death of between 20 and 30 young children every year.

Following a series of successful trials, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised the UK Government to begin vaccinating against RSV.

England and Scotland have now confirmed the delivery of RSV vaccination programmes during pregnancy for infant protection from August 2024.

All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant (the eligible cohort) on 1 September 2024, should be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine, through commissioned services. After that, pregnant women will become eligible as they reach 28 weeks’ gestation and remain eligible up to birth. The ideal opportunity to offer vaccination would be at the 28-week antenatal contact (ANC), following prior discussion at the 20-week ANC. Providers should aim to vaccinate those already eligible on 1 September as soon as possible.